In 2024, Africa experienced 21 internet shutdowns, a record high due to governmental controls during conflicts and elections. Service providers are involved in these shutdowns, which reflect a broader global trend. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights introduced a resolution to counter this trend, yet shutdowns persisted, especially in election contexts.
In 2024, Africa saw a record number of internet shutdowns, with 21 incidents reported across 15 countries. This surpasses the previous high of 19 shutdowns observed in 2020 and 2021, according to a report by Access Now and the KeepItOn coalition. Notable repeat offenders included Burundi, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, and Kenya, along with new participants such as Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius.
Shutdowns often occur during conflicts, protests, and political turmoil, with telecommunications and internet service providers frequently complying with government mandates. Felicia Anthonio, campaign manager at Access Now, emphasized that these providers contribute to rights violations when shutting down services. Reports also highlighted a global trend with 296 shutdowns across 54 countries in the same period, marking an increase from 283 in 39 countries the previous year.
Access Now declared these figures as the worst since they began record-keeping in 2016, indicating a growing trend of internet access being used as a weapon amid political unrest. The report noted, “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 the end of 2024, at least five African countries had experienced shutdowns lasting over a year, including ongoing restrictions on Meta in Uganda and a complete service suspension in Equatorial Guinea.
In response to this alarming pattern, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights enacted a resolution in March 2024 aimed at combating internet shutdowns. Nonetheless, the regression continued as Anthonio noted increased shutdowns around elections in 2024, even after the resolution’s adoption. She mentioned that while the resolution represents progress and support for civil society, its effectiveness remains unclear, although there have been reversals in shutdown orders in countries like Mauritius and South Sudan in early 2025.
The record increase in internet shutdowns in Africa in 2024 highlights a pressing issue of governmental control over digital access, particularly in times of political unrest. Despite efforts by organizations like Access Now to combat these violations through advocacy and resolutions, shutdowns persist, particularly during elections and protests. The continued global rise further emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to promote internet freedom and protect human rights.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
