A Shifting Digital Landscape: African Governments Increasingly Restrict Internet Access
While internet access has become increasingly essential for communication, information, and commerce worldwide, some African governments are moving in the opposite direction, utilizing internet shutdowns as a tool for control.
In recent months, digital rights groups have documented a worrying trend of internet and social media restrictions across the continent, often coinciding with protests, elections, or other critical moments.
These shutdowns raise serious concerns about freedom of expression, free assembly, and access to information, essential pillars of any democratic society.
## Deliberate Disruptions?
The justification for internet shutdowns often revolves around maintaining public order and safety. However, Nompilo Simanje, Africa advocacy and partnerships lead at the International Press Institute, highlights the real intent: “The key reasons really are to restrict communication, restrict free expression, restrict online mobilization, restrict online freedom of assembly and association, and also restrict access to information.”
Félicia Anthonio, campaign manager at digital rights group Access Now, adds that “It not only disrupts the flow of information, it also makes it impossible for people to access information in a timely manner. When we are talking about crisis situations, information can be like a lifeline, and so, disrupting access could be about life and death in conflict situations.”
While not always directly ordered, the timing of these shutdowns often suggests a deliberate political strategy. Access Now documented a nationwide internet outage in Kenya in June, following the government’s denial of any intention to restrict access.
Kenya is a member of the Freedom Online Coalition, a group of 42 countries dedicated to protecting online freedom. Anthonio termed this incident “depressing and sad,” highlighting the discrepancy between words and actions.
Kenya had previously blocked access to Telegram, a messaging app, during national exams, citing concerns over cheating. The block, initially imposed in November 2023, was extended for over three weeks in the following month.
James Wamathai, advocacy director for the Bloggers Association of Kenya, described the inconvenience it caused: “It was really a huge inconvenience.”
Many Kenyans, unfamiliar with workarounds like virtual private networks (VPNs), struggled to stay connected. This government-imposed restriction marks a disturbing change for a country that was largely unfamiliar with internet shutdowns.
## Erasing Voices and Obfuscating Truth
The motives behind these shutdowns are rarely transparent. Governments often invoke vague justifications like “national security” or “public safety,” but critics argue these are mere smokescreens for silencing dissent and controlling the narrative.
Anthonio notes: “It’s really hard to tell what the motivation is, aside from the fact that the government just wants to exert control to show that they are in authority and can restrict people’s rights when they please.”
An example of this is Mauritius’s planned 10-day internet shutdown ahead of its November elections, meant to quell “illegal publications” threatening national security and public safety. Access Now dismissed these clams as mere “jargon,” highlighting the hollowness of such justifications.
Public outcry and pressure from media organizations and opposition parties led to the Mauritius government lifting the ban after just 24 hours, but the event served as a stark reminder of the fragility of digital rights, even in countries with a history of respecting online freedoms.
## A Continent Marked by Disruptions
The trend of internet censorship is pervasive across the African continent.
In Tanzania, Access Now has documented Pearson
What are the primary reasons governments in Africa cite for justifying internet shutdowns?
## A Shifting Digital Landscape: African Governments Increasingly Restrict Internet Access
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving into a disturbing trend impacting digital rights across Africa: internet shutdowns becoming an increasingly common tool used by governments to control information flow. To help us understand this complex issue, we have Félicia Anthonio, Campaign Manager at digital rights group Access Now joining us. Félicia, thank you for being here.
**Félicia Anthonio:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Félicia, Access Now has been actively documenting these shutdowns. Can you tell us a little bit about what your organization is seeing?
**Félicia Anthonio:** Absolutely. In recent months, we’ve witnessed a worrying surge in internet and social media restrictions across Africa. These shutdowns often coincide with sensitive periods like protests, elections, or even during moments of crisis.
**Host:** And what are governments claiming as justification for these actions?
**Félicia Anthonio:** Governments often cite the need to maintain public order and safety, arguing that these shutdowns prevent the spread of “misinformation” or the incitement of violence.
**Host:** But is that the true intention behind these actions?
**Félicia Anthonio:** That’s a crucial point. While these are the stated reasons, the reality is often far more concerning. As we’ve seen [1], these shutdowns are primarily intended to restrict communication, stifle free expression, and suppress online activism and mobilization. Even access to essential information is seen as a threat.
**Host:** This seems to contradict the idea of a democratic society, doesn’t it?
**Félicia Anthonio:** Absolutely. Access to information, freedom of expression, and the ability to organize online are fundamental pillars of any democracy. When governments restrict these rights, they are undermining the very foundations of a free and open society.
**Host:** You mentioned the example of Kenya, which is a member of the Freedom Online Coalition, a group dedicated to protecting internet freedom.
**Félicia Anthonio:** Precisely. Access Now documented a nationwide internet outage in Kenya in June, despite the government’s denials. This starkly highlights the disconnect between rhetoric and actions.
**Host:** What are the real consequences of these shutdowns for everyday people?
**Félicia Anthonio:** The impact is devastating. [1] Not only do these shutdowns disrupt the flow of information, but they also make it virtually impossible for people to stay informed in a timely manner. During crises, information can truly be a lifeline, and disrupting access could mean the difference between life and death. Businesses suffer, communication is hampered, and trust in institutions erodes.
**Host:** Félicia, thank you for shedding light on this crucial issue. What can individuals and organizations do to push back against these digital restrictions?
**Félicia Anthonio:** Awareness is key. People need to understand the implications of these shutdowns and speak out against them. Supporting organizations like Access Now who are fighting for digital rights is also crucial. We need to hold governments accountable to their commitments to protect freedom online.
**Host:** Thank you for your time and insights, Félicia.
**Félicia Anthonio:** Thank you for having me.
