Internet in Ethiopia shut down amid violence

Authorities have shut down the Internet in Ethiopia amid an outbreak of violence in the region, a local resident said on Wednesday.

The resident, speaking from the city of Harar, said the connection had been off for three days in eastern Ethiopia.

Rights group Access Now confirmed the shutdown of Internet in Ethiopia through a statement released on Tuesday.

Violence broke out in Jijiga on Saturday, with mobs looting properties owned by ethnic minorities.

According to the government, the unrest is said had been stoked by regional officials at odds with central authorities.