Ethiopia ends web blackout

ADDIS ABABA: Internet users in Ethiopia said yesterday the government appeared to have ended a three-month online blackout, raising hopes of a relaxation of restrictions after the arrival of a new prime minister who promised reforms. Mobile and broadband internet services shut down in December in many regions outside the capital that were hit by unrest that threatened the ruling coalition’s tight hold on country. Rights groups accused the government of trying to stop them spreading news online and organizing rallies calling for land rights and other freedoms - charges the government denied. But internet users said they had noticed services returning following the April 2 inauguration of Abiy Ahmed. —Reuters