Tigray: War in a Digital Black Hole

Book excerpt: In this third book in the series on the Tigray War (2020–2022), the focus shifts to the devastating consequences of the siege and communication blackout imposed during the war, which plunged the region into a ‘digital black hole’. The war’s invisible nature—at a time when international support was most crucial—posed immense challenges for researchers, humanitarian organisations, and healthcare workers trying to address the growing crisis. The extreme assault on Tigray’s healthcare system during the war is highlighted, with Eritrea identified as a major perpetrator, able to commit atrocities with impunity due to its hidden role. Despite these hardships, this book also illuminates the remarkable courage and resilience of the people of Tigray. It explores how, in the face of adversity, they remained focused, committed, and innovative, developing new ways to stay connected and communicate, even in isolation. Through these stories of agency, the book sheds light on the ingenuity and creativity that emerged in the midst of profound hardship, demonstrating the unyielding spirit of the people of Tigray.