Ethiopia unblocks more than 200 websites as reforms continue

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Ethiopia says it has unblocked 246 websites and TV channels in the latest reform under its new prime minster, whose chief of staff says “freedom of expression is a foundational right.”

Chief of staff Fitsum Arega announced the news on Twitter as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues to open up the East African country after years of anti-government tensions.

The blocked websites included many run overseas in the United States and elsewhere.

Since Abiy took office in April, Ethiopia also has freed almost all jailed journalists and bloggers and dropped charges against activists critical of the government.

Ethiopians on Saturday are expected to hold massive rallies, including in the capital, Addis Ababa, to show support for the ongoing reforms.