In 2024, internet shutdowns in Africa surged to a record high, with 21 documented instances across 15 nations. The report from Access Now and #KeepItOn highlighted ongoing governmental and non-state actions infringing on citizen rights. Despite a recent resolution aimed at ending these shutdowns by the African Commission, violations continue, particularly in contexts tied to political unrest and elections.
In 2024, internet shutdowns in Africa reached an alarming new high, reflecting a concerning trend for digital rights. According to a report from the internet rights organization Access Now, along with the KeepItOn coalition, there were 21 documented shutdowns across 15 African nations, surpassing the previous record of 19 shutdowns noted in 2020 and 2021.
Countries such as Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius joined long-standing offenders like Burundi, Ethiopia, and Kenya in implementing internet restrictions. Other nations including Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania were also involved, with the report noting that non-state actors, including militias, participated in these actions as well.
Felicia Anthonio, campaign manager for KeepItOn at Access Now, emphasized that telecommunications and internet service providers who comply with governmental shutdown orders play a significant role in infringing on human rights. This is in line with the UN’s guiding principles on business and human rights, underscoring their responsibility toward citizens.
Most recorded shutdowns occurred in contexts of political unrest, protests, and election seasons, marking a troubling pattern. The global landscape mirrored Africa’s situation, with a total of 296 internet shutdowns reported across 54 countries, an increase from 283 in the previous year.
The report indicated that these disruptions are the most severe recorded since 2016, highlighting a troubling global atmosphere where internet access is increasingly weaponized. The narrative surrounding the 1,754 shutdowns since 2016 involves real human experiences, often amidst political turmoil and violence.
By the end of 2024, at least five internet shutdowns in Africa had extended beyond one year. In Uganda, the social network Meta remained restricted despite ongoing discussions with authorities, while on Annobon Island in Equatorial Guinea, services have been suspended since a protest in August 2024 concerning environmental issues.
In response to the rising tide of internet closures, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights enacted a significant resolution in March 2024 aimed at curbing the trend. However, Anthonio noted that regression persisted, particularly with more election-related shutdowns occurring across Africa in 2024, contradicting the resolution’s intention.
Despite these setbacks, Anthonio acknowledged the resolution as a critical tool for civil society in fighting against harmful shutdowns. She pointed out the potential positive effects, as evidenced by some countries, such as Mauritius and South Sudan, reversing shutdown orders following pressures from advocacy groups in early 2025.
The increase in internet shutdowns in Africa signals a worrying trend in civil liberties and human rights, with authorities often employing digital blackouts during conflicts, political instability, and elections. Despite efforts to promote a reversal of this trend via resolutions from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the ongoing violations illustrate a complex battle for digital rights and accessibility. The active role of civil advocacy groups remains crucial in combating these harmful practices and promoting accountability.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
