from ADANE BIKILA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia Bureau
ADDIS ABABA, (CAJ News) – INTERNET shutdowns in Africa have more than doubled over the past eight years, with governments increasingly using them as a tool to silence dissent and control political activity, according to new research released Thursday.
The study, led by the African Digital Rights Network and published in the book Internet Shutdowns in Africa, reveals that 41 countries across the continent imposed more than 190 internet disruptions between 2016 and 2024.
Shutdowns surged from just 14 in 2016 to 28 in 2024, highlighting what researchers describe as a dangerous trend of “digital authoritarianism.”
Ethiopia topped the list, recording 30 shutdowns, many linked to the Tigray conflict.
Sudan followed with 21 disruptions, while Algeria recorded 14. Since 2018, these three countries have enforced shutdowns at least once every year.
Researchers warn the impact is far-reaching. Beyond cutting access to social media and messaging apps, shutdowns disrupt education, health services, employment, and economic activity, while violating basic rights such as freedom of expression and association.
“Each internet shutdown violates human rights and damages the economy,” said Tony Roberts, Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies and co-editor of the book.
“It should worry us that regimes are imposing these digital authoritarian practices with increasing frequency and with impunity.”
Shutdowns are often ordered by governments and implemented by internet service providers. The report notes they are particularly common during elections, protests, or political crises.
In Sudan, for example, blackouts have become a default response to civil uprisings.
Felicia Anthonio, a global expert on internet shutdowns and co-editor of the book, stressed the escalating danger.
“Across Africa, governments are normalising the use of internet shutdowns to suppress dissent, quell protests, and manipulate electoral outcomes. These blackouts are growing in scale and frequency, with devastating consequences for rights and lives.”
The researchers urge African governments, regional institutions, and telecom operators to commit to human rights standards by refraining from internet shutdowns during elections and protests.
They also call on the international community to hold governments accountable and support civil society groups challenging unlawful disruptions.
With Africa’s digital economy growing rapidly, experts warn that unchecked shutdowns risk undermining progress in connectivity, democracy, and innovation across the continent.
— CAJ News