Activist Simon Tesfamariam is among those who has been suspended on Twitter.
Twitter has suspended several activists who have expressed concerns about the media’s coverage of the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia. Using #NoMore as their rally cry, the activists have been condemning outlets such as BBC and CNN for allegedly vilifying the Ethiopian and Eritrean government and supporting the opposing group, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front
The TPLF, according to the activists, is to blame for the ongoing war in Ethiopia.
Activist Simon Tesfamariam is among those who has been suspended on Twitter.
A Twitter spokesperson said Simon is suspended for violations of rules “including our platform manipulation and spam policy”.
“This includes the creation of multiple accounts to post duplicative content and create fake engagement, and the operation of fake accounts,” the spokesperson told VOA News.
Simon’s supporters are speaking out against Twitter.
“”We have reason to believe that Twitter is targeting and suspending pro-Ethiopia voices that are raising awareness about the TPLF’s atrocities and its lies . . We believe Twitter has been infiltrated by TPLF sympathizers in the same manner that many democratic institutions and corporate spaces have also been infiltrated to provide a TPLF narrative,” — Abiy’s spokeswoman Billene Seyoum
“He deserves accolades, among others, for his meticulous research and balanced reports (New Africa Institute) to counter mainstream media disinformation stemming from political bias” — Eritrean government spokesman Yemane Gebremeskel supports Simon.
The war in Ethiopia broke out in November 2020. Abiy sent troops into the country’s northernmost Tigray region to topple the TPLF. Abiy said he launched the operation in response to TPLF attacks on army camps.
Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers have since been accused of massacres and mass rape in Tigray. Others say TPLF has committed similar crimes in neighboring Afar and Amhara regions.
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