Tigray: War in a Digital Black Hole, Book 3

edited by Mirjam van Reisen, Araya Abrha Medhanyie and Munyaradzi Mawere

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.

Mirjam van Reisen

Mirjam van Reisen is Professor of ‘International Relations, Innovation and Care’ at Tilburg University, and Professor ‘Computing for Society’ at Leiden University.

Araya Abrha Medhanyie

ARAYA ABRHA MEDHANYIE is an assistant Professor at Mekelle University, Tigray.

Munyaradzi Mawere

Munyaradzi Mawere is a Professor in the Simon Muzenda School of Arts, Culture and Heritage Studies at Great Zimbabwe University. He holds a PhD in Social Anthropology; a Master’s Degree in Social Anthropology; a second Master’s Degree in Philosophy; a third Master’s Degree in Development Studies; BA (Hons) Degree in Philosophy; Certificate in Tertiary and Higher Learning; Certificate in Information Technology; and a Certificate in Diplomacy, Negotiation and Bargaining. He is an author of more than 50 books and over 200 academic publications straddling the following areas: poverty and development studies, African philosophy, cultural philosophy, democracy, politics of food production, humanitarianism and civil society organisations, urban anthropology, existential anthropology, environmental anthropology, society and politics, religion, decoloniality and African studies.