Image: Justifications for Internet Shutdowns by UNESCO’s World Trends in Freedom of Expression
In 2024, Africa witnessed a record number of internet shutdowns, with 21 incidents reported across 15 countries, surpassing the previous high of 19 shutdowns in 2020 and 2021. This alarming trend highlights an increasing use of digital blackouts by governments to control information, particularly in response to conflicts, protests, and political instability.
Countries like Burundi, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, and Kenya have been frequent offenders, while newer shutdowns occurred in Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius. Other nations such as Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania also imposed internet restrictions, often coinciding with elections or civil unrest.
Interestingly, the shutdowns have not been limited to state actors; militias and non-state groups have also been implicated in restricting internet access. In light of these developments, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights passed a historic resolution in March 2024, aimed at reversing the growing trend of internet shutdowns on the continent.
The surge in digital blackouts underscores the growing concerns over internet freedom in Africa, where access is increasingly “weaponized” for political control.
Source: The Guardian
Justifications for Internet Shutdowns by UNESCO’s World Trends in Freedom of Expression on Wikimedia
