In 2024, Africa faced a record 21 internet shutdowns across 15 countries, surpassing previous records and indicating a trend of governments restricting online access during conflicts and elections. Access Now’s report highlights the role of both state and non-state actors in these shutdowns and calls attention to the need for accountability in digital rights. Despite a resolution from the African Commission on Human Rights, shutdowns continue to rise.
In 2024, Africa witnessed a record number of internet shutdowns, with 21 shutdowns occurring across 15 nations, as detailed by the Access Now report. This number surpasses previous records of 19 shutdowns in both 2020 and 2021, highlighting an alarming trend of governments restricting internet access to control citizens.
Countries like Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius have joined nations such as Burundi, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, and Kenya in implementing these blackouts. Other nations affected include Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. Notably, non-state actors such as militias also played a role in these shutdowns, exacerbating the crisis.
Felicia Anthonio, KeepItOn campaign manager at Access Now, emphasized the issue of telecommunication providers, stating that they share responsibility when complying with governmental orders that infringe upon human rights. Her comments align with the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Most shutdowns were linked to conflicts, protests, and political instability, including electoral periods. On a global scale, there were 296 shutdowns in 54 countries in 2024, showing an increase from 283 in 39 countries the previous year, marking the worst figures since records began in 2016.
Access Now noted that the trend illustrates how internet access is increasingly weaponized against citizens. “Behind each of the 1,754 shutdowns since 2016 is a story of people and communities cut off from the world and each other,” the report stated, emphasizing the detrimental impacts during conflicts.
By the end of 2024, at least five African nations had ongoing shutdowns exceeding one year, including Uganda where Meta was still restricted. Additionally, internet and phone services in Annobon, Equatorial Guinea, were halted following protests in August 2024 regarding environmental issues.
In response to this crisis, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights passed a significant resolution in March 2024 aimed at addressing the trend of shutdowns. However, Anthonio noted a continued rise in shutdowns during elections in 2024, reflecting a concerning need for enforcement of the resolution. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that the resolution has been beneficial for civil society advocacy, as seen in countries like Mauritius and South Sudan where shutdown orders were reconsidered in January 2025.
The rise in internet shutdowns in Africa in 2024, reaching a record high, underscores the urgent need for safeguarding digital rights. With evidence linking these shutdowns to political instability and conflict, the international community must work toward ensuring governmental accountability. Despite landmark resolutions aimed at curbing this trend, the persistence of shutdowns suggests a continued struggle for internet freedom in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
