Record High of Internet Shutdowns in Africa Raises Human Rights Concerns

In 2024, Africa saw a record of 21 internet shutdowns across 15 countries, surpassing previous highs. The report by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition indicates that shutdowns are increasingly used to suppress civil unrest and political instability. The trend reflects a broader global rise in internet restrictions. Efforts towards reversing this trend include a resolution from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, although challenges persist.

In 2024, Africa experienced an unprecedented number of internet shutdowns, reaching a total of 21 across 15 countries, as reported by Access Now and the KeepItOn coalition. This statistic marks a new record, surpassing the previous high of 19 shutdowns observed in both 2020 and 2021. Nations such as Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius contributed to this trend, while established offenders like Burundi, Ethiopia, and Kenya continued their patterns of restricting access.

Among other countries facing shutdowns are Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, with some disruptions being initiated by non-state actors and militias. Felicia Anthonio, the KeepItOn campaign manager, emphasized the complicity of telecommunication and internet service providers in violating human rights by complying with government mandates. Notably, the majority of these shutdowns were enacted in response to political instability, protests, and conflict, often coinciding with elections.

Globally, the trend reflected an increase in authorized shutdowns, totaling 296 across 54 countries, in contrast to the previous year’s 283 across 39 nations. Access Now characterized these figures as the worst since tracking began in 2016, signaling a dire situation where internet accessibility is increasingly weaponized. The report indicated, “Behind each of the 1,754 shutdowns since 2016 is a story of people and communities cut off from the world and each other.”

By late 2024, at least five shutdowns within Africa had persisted for over a year. By early 2025, Meta’s social network remained restricted in Uganda, despite ongoing negotiations. Furthermore, the internet on the island of Annobon in Equatorial Guinea has been entirely inaccessible since a protest over environmental issues in August 2024.

Despite these adverse developments, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted a significant resolution in March 2024 aimed at reversing this alarming trend. However, Anthonio noted the regression has continued, particularly with more election-related shutdowns occurring even after the resolution’s adoption. She acknowledged the resolution’s role as a crucial tool for advocacy, highlighting instances where some countries, such as Mauritius and South Sudan, reverted their shutdown orders early in 2025.

The escalation of internet shutdowns in Africa illustrates a significant erosion of digital rights as various governments resort to restricting access amid political turmoil and unrest. With a record high of 21 shutdowns reported in 2024, the pattern reveals an alarming trend that compels urgent attention. While resolutions from organizations such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights signify progress towards combating these restrictions, consistent advocacy and governmental accountability remain crucial to deterring this persistent infringement of rights.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com