Call to Action to our Community!!!

Join me in standing up for justice and digital inclusion—help secure a fair trial and release for Dawit, the visionary entrepreneur detained in Ethiopia. Share his story, sign the petition, and urge your representatives to act.

Today I’m spotlighting a colleague whose story demands our attention. Dawit, an American citizen and former Cisco leader, left a lucrative career in the U.S. to found Ethiopia’s first private ISP—bringing high-speed internet to 400,000 homes and empowering 110 direct employees (and hundreds more contractors).

Since December 2024, Dawit has been held without bail in a maximum-security prison on financial charges that stem from an incomplete audit—and despite an appeal still pending, he remains denied basic rights and medical care.  Company assets are frozen, threatening not only his livelihood but the connectivity of thousands of Ethiopian citizens.

When one of us faces injustice, we all do. The global tech community stands for innovation, progress, and fair treatment under the law. Here’s how you can help:

 1. Raise awareness—share this post and use #FreeDawitBirhanu
 2. Sign the petition for his release: https://chng.it/dJGpsJ99Xn
 3. Contact your elected officials to advocate for U.S. diplomatic intervention
 4. Engage industry associations to apply collective pressure

Let’s unite our voices and ensure Dawit receives the fair trial he deserves—and that his vital work to bridge the digital divide can continue.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/4ZV3GA-c-Uo