Pel Chol

In a global world where corona virus affected the movement of people in many ways, Internet has been the cornerstone for provision of many services.  Doctors, teachers and many other professionals have been performing duties away from public spheres with the help of Internet. This was done to lower the spread of the virus.

As for the case of Ethiopia, the reliance on Internet may not be as huge as it is in developed world, but Internet has had some significance especially in the education sector. Schools across Ethiopia were closed early of April. Many other departments particularly in Addi Ababa were also shut early on. Employee who had access to internet were advised to perform duties at homes.

Thus, in a lesser extent, internet has been pivotal in providing services to the public in Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa for example, the education department urged students and teachers to use telegram for students to continue with their class activities while at home.

But with the shutdown of the internet now, it means that the small but important interaction that students and teacher have been enjoying has now been disabled. Students and teachers cannot longer receive information from each other.  Hence, students cannot longer have any form of access of educational activities from their teachers.

The shutdown of the internet by the government was completely understandable as history tells us that internet in Ethiopia aid people whose views are antagonist to the government.  It is alleged that internet is being used to organise assemblies and protests.

But for how long will Ethiopia stay in the shadows of darkness.  A continued shutdown of internet will not create a good outlook for the country which see herself as an emerging democracy in the horn of Africa. Lack of internet will have huge impact in education sector particularly in the Universities.  Also businesses  will be severely affected.

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