In 2024, Africa recorded an unprecedented 21 internet shutdowns across 15 countries, surpassing previous records. This trend reflects governments’ attempts to maintain control during political crises. The rise in shutdowns aligns with a global increase, raising concerns regarding human rights and digital freedom. Despite resolutions aimed at reversing this trend, the situation remains grim, especially during election periods.
In 2024, Africa experienced an unprecedented number of internet shutdowns, marking the highest record in the last decade. A report by Access Now and the KeepItOn coalition revealed that there were 21 shutdowns spanning 15 African nations, exceeding the previous records of 19 shutdowns in both 2020 and 2021. The report highlights that countries like Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius have contributed to this alarming trend, alongside frequent offenders such as Burundi, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, and Kenya.
The report indicates that telecommunication and internet service providers, when complying with government directives to suspend services, also violate civil liberties. Felicia Anthonio, the KeepItOn campaign manager at Access Now, emphasized the role of these companies in abetting government actions that infringe upon human rights, aligning with the United Nations’ guiding principles on business and human rights.
Most of the documented shutdowns were linked to incidents of conflict, protests, and political instability, with additional restrictions observed during elections. This troubling trend is not unique to Africa; globally, there were 296 shutdowns in 54 countries in 2024, a notable increase from 283 shutdowns in 39 countries the previous year, according to the report.
Access Now stated that the escalation in shutdowns is the highest recorded since it began monitoring in 2016, illustrating a global landscape where internet access is frequently weaponized and restricted. The report highlighted, “Behind each of the 1,754 shutdowns since 2016 is a story of people and communities cut off from the world and each other.”
As of late 2024, at least five shutdowns in Africa had persisted for over a year. Uganda still faced restrictions on the social network Meta, while the island of Annobon in Equatorial Guinea experienced complete communication blackouts since an August 2024 protest.
The situation prompted the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to adopt a significant resolution in March 2024 in an effort to combat this harmful trend. However, Anthonio expressed that despite the resolution’s potential, there was still an increase in election-related shutdowns throughout the continent in 2024. She noted, “It’s rather unfortunate we saw more election-related shutdowns in Africa and other places in 2024 despite the adoption of the ACHPR resolution last year.”
The record-high number of internet shutdowns in Africa during 2024 underlines a troubling pattern of governments restricting digital access to suppress dissent and manage political unrest. The trend shows complicity from service providers, aggravated by a politically unstable environment characterized by protests, conflicts, and contentious elections. While initiatives like the ACHPR resolution signify progress, the persistent increase in shutdowns indicates the need for sustained advocacy and monitoring to protect internet freedom and human rights.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
