Internet and phone services have been disrupted across Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region as renewed fighting between federal and Tigrayan forces raises fears of a wider conflict.
Services operated by state-owned Ethio Telecom have been cut in the region, while services from private operator Safaricom remain available, according to the BBC.
The disruption follows renewed clashes involving Ethiopian federal troops and Tigrayan forces.
Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks also reported network data indicating a regional internet disruption in northern Tigray.
Tigray internet disruption affects communications
Residents have reported major difficulties communicating as fighting intensifies across northern Ethiopia.
An American humanitarian worker in Mekelle told the BBC that telecommunications went down overnight.
The disruption could also affect access to digital payments and banking services.
A Mekelle resident told the BBC that cash had already become difficult to obtain in the city. Many people therefore rely on mobile banking and other digital services for everyday transactions.
The BBC said it had contacted Ethiopian authorities for comment.
Who ordered the communications blackout?
The reason behind the disruption has not been officially confirmed.
Reuters reported that sources said the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls Tigray, ordered the communications blackout.
One source suggested the measure was intended to interfere with government drone operations.
However, the TPLF has not publicly commented on the claim.
The BBC also said it was unable to report directly from Tigray and surrounding areas, making independent verification of developments on the ground difficult.
Heavy fighting reported near Tigray
Renewed clashes broke out on Wednesday between federal forces and Tigrayan forces and their allies.
A humanitarian source in neighbouring Afar told AFP that heavy fighting had taken place around Abala, near the border with Tigray.
The source also reported drone strikes in the area and said federal forces had pushed back forces attempting to enter the town.
Reports of fighting have also emerged near Lalibela in the Amhara region.
The renewed violence has raised concerns about a broader escalation in northern Ethiopia.
Flights to Tigray cancelled
The latest fighting has also affected air travel.
Tigrayan forces seized control of three airports from federal police on Wednesday, according to the BBC.
Ethiopian Airlines subsequently cancelled flights to Tigray.
Days earlier, the TPLF and six other armed groups announced an alliance aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
Reuters separately reported that seven armed groups had formed the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, bringing together groups from several parts of the country.
Memories of previous Tigray war
The latest communications disruption has revived memories of the 2020-2022 war in northern Ethiopia.
During that conflict, Tigray experienced an extended communications blackout that severely restricted information coming from the region.
The war also caused widespread displacement and severe shortages of food, medicine and cash.
A peace agreement signed in November 2022 brought the large-scale conflict between Ethiopia’s federal government and Tigrayan forces to an end.
However, tensions have increased again in 2026, with renewed clashes and political disputes raising concerns about the future of that agreement.
For residents of Tigray, the latest fighting and communications disruption are once again making it more difficult to access information, financial services and contact with people outside the region.