In 2024, Africa experienced a record high of internet shutdowns, totaling 21 across 15 countries. Governments increasingly employed these shutdowns amidst conflicts and elections, with significant reports noting this trend reflects a global issue where internet access is weaponized. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has initiated efforts to combat this trend, but the situation remains dire as shutdowns continue to escalate.
In 2024, Africa witnessed a concerning rise in internet shutdowns, marking a record high as governments increasingly restricted online access. A report from Access Now and the KeepItOn coalition noted that there were 21 shutdowns across 15 African nations, exceeding the previous high of 19 shutdowns recorded in 2020 and 2021.
This troubling trend included nations such as Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius as well as repeat offenders like Burundi, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, and Kenya. Other countries on the list included Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, with non-state actors, like militias, also contributing to this phenomenon.
Felicia Anthonio, the KeepItOn campaign manager at Access Now, stated that telecommunication and internet service providers that comply with government orders to shut down services are complicit in infringing upon citizens’ rights. This observation is grounded in the United Nations’ guiding principles on business and human rights.
The primary motivations for these shutdowns were conflicts, protests, and political instability, with many occurring during election periods. This pattern was evident globally, with a total of 296 shutdowns reported across 54 countries, a rise from 283 shutdowns across 39 countries the prior year.
Access Now’s findings indicate the severity of the situation, describing it as a period where internet access has been systematically weaponized. The report highlighted that each of the 1,754 recorded shutdowns since 2016 represents individuals and communities disconnected from global communication during significant political crises and unrest.
By late 2024, at least five internet shutdowns in Africa had persisted for over a year. Notable cases included a continued ban on Meta in Uganda and the cessation of internet services on Annobon Island, Equatorial Guinea, following a protest concerning environmental issues.
In response to the rising trend of internet shutdowns, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights passed a pivotal resolution in March 2024. However, Anthonio remarked on the unfortunate continuation of shutdowns linked to elections despite this resolution’s adoption. She noted that while results from the resolution remain unclear, there have been instances of reversals in shutdown orders in some countries, such as Mauritius and South Sudan.
The unprecedented rise in internet shutdowns in Africa during 2024 signifies a detrimental trend for civil liberties, particularly during periods of political unrest. Amidst this crisis, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ resolution offers some hope for advocacy against such violations. Nevertheless, the continued occurrence of shutdowns underscores the urgent need for effective measures to protect internet access and uphold human rights across the continent.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
