Internet shutdowns in Africa on upward trajectory | Computer Weekly

"According to an analysis of shutdowns in 11 different African countries by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and the African Digital Rights Network (ADRN), each internet blackout deprives millions of citizens and businesses of access to information and communication tools that are essential to their social, economic and political life."

"The ADRN's analysis - which investigated shutdown practices in countries including Algeria, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan - noted the tactic is often driven by the authorities' desire to crack down on peaceful protests and political opposition, allowing the states involved to "reinforce authoritarian control" across their jurisdictions."

"In Ethiopia, for example, shutting down the internet has become a "go-to" tactic for the government, which has implemented 30 separate shutdowns since 2016, "designed to curtail political discourse and participation, and to conceal atrocities and human rights violations" carried out during recent armed conflicts. Similarly, in Sudan, which has experienced 21 shutdowns in the same time, authorities have usually employed various internet blackout tactics during protest and conflict situations."

More than 190 internet shutdowns have occurred in 41 African countries since 2016. Each blackout deprives millions of citizens and businesses of access to information and communication tools essential to social, economic and political life. Shutdowns have been used to suppress dissent, quell protests and influence electoral outcomes, enabling authorities to reinforce authoritarian control. Documented practices appear across countries including Algeria, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan. In Ethiopia the government implemented 30 shutdowns since 2016, often to curtail political discourse and to conceal atrocities and rights violations; Sudan experienced 21 shutdowns, commonly during protests and conflicts. These blackouts are growing in scale and frequency with damaging consequences.

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