Ethiopian authorities have restricted access to several major social media platforms following violent protests linked to a leadership dispute within the country’s Orthodox Church.
Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks reported that access to Facebook, Messenger, TikTok and Telegram had been severely restricted, citing network data collected across the country.
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The restrictions come amid unrest triggered by a split within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church after three church officials declared themselves archbishops and established a separate governing body last month.
The move sparked protests in the Oromia region, with some demonstrators supporting the breakaway group while others opposed it.
According to the church, at least 30 people have been killed in the violence since February 4.
In a statement, the church called for nationwide demonstrations on Sunday against the newly formed governing body and accused the Ethiopian government of interfering in its internal affairs.
The accusation followed an appeal by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urging government ministers to stay out of the church dispute.
The Ethiopian government has since banned the planned protest, saying the measure was necessary to prevent further violence.
Government spokesperson Legesse Tulu did not immediately comment on the reported social media restrictions.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church remains one of the country’s most influential religious institutions, with more than 40 per cent of the population identifying as members.
Ethiopia has previously imposed internet and social media restrictions during periods of political unrest, including in 2020 following protests that erupted after the killing of a popular Oromo singer.
