Since 2015 about a dozen African countries have had wide-ranging internet shutdowns, often during elections. Over $2 million was shed from the country’s GDP in just five days of internet restrictions, the Brookings Institution said. In Ethiopia, where a government-controlled company has a monopoly over all telecom services, internet restrictions have been deeply felt for months. Just 30 days of internet restrictions between July 2015 and July 2016 cost Ethiopia’s economy over $8 million, according to figures by the Brookings Institution. Ethiopia’s government insists social media is being used to incite violence, but many citizens are suspicious of that stance.

Source: Ethiopian News March 14, 2017 09:00 UTC