Forty-one African countries experienced over 190 internet shutdowns between 2016 and 2024, a new research by members of the African Digital Rights Network has shown.
Convened by the Institute of Development Studies, the report is featured in the book ‘Internet Shutdowns in Africa’.
It indicates that the number of internet shutdowns across the continent has been on an upward trend since 2016, rising from a total of 14 in 2016 to 28 in 2024.
Ethiopia topped the list with 30 instances of internet shutdowns, followed by Sudan with 21, and Algeria with 14.
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Since 2018, the three countries have experienced internet shutdown at least once every year, the report highlighted.
It said each shutdown blocks digital platforms, impacts millions of people by disrupting their ability to communicate with their families, continue their employment, access essential online services like education and health, or take part in political life online.
It noted that the shutdowns – ordered mostly by governments and implemented by internet service providers – were often used to crack down on peaceful protests or political opposition.
In a statement, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a digital rights advocacy group, warned of the risk of internet shutdowns being used to reinforce authoritarian control.
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Research Fellow, Institute of Development Studies and co-editor of the book, Tony Roberts, was quoted as saying that each internet shutdown violates human rights and damages the economy.
He stressed that as the internet becomes a medium for people to increasingly communicate, study and work online, shutting down the internet necessarily violates citizens’ right to work and their freedom of expression, association and participation.
“It should worry us that regimes are imposing these digital authoritarian practices with increasing frequency and with impunity.
“It’s important to research further in understanding this evolving landscape of resistance, power imbalances, political motivations, and authoritarian tendencies to guide future action to mitigate the harms of Internet shutdowns and prevent them from recurring,” Roberts added.
According to PIN, while some shutdowns drew public criticism or international condemnation, many go unnoticed or unchallenged, particularly in contexts where independent media and civil society are under threat.
It noted that the book provides the most comprehensive and detailed account of internet shutdowns in Africa to date.
PIN maintained that internet shutdowns have been used by governments during protests and conflicts to repress citizen voices.
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In Ethiopia, internet shutdowns have become a go-to tactic which not only affects human rights but also shapes power relationships by benefiting those in power.
The government used internet blackouts extensively during the Tigray conflict, cutting off millions without access to communication or essential services.
It also recalled that in Sudan, shutdowns were consistently deployed during protests and periods of political unrest, particularly in response to resistance movements and civil uprisings and during the ongoing conflict.
On her part, a global expert on internet shutdowns and co-editor of the book, Felicia Anthonio, said, “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, in an ever-more digitally connected world.
“This book adds to the growing body of evidence compiled by rights groups, underscoring the profound harm caused by shutdowns — both online and off. The international community must urgently support civil society efforts against this alarming trend, hold governments accountable, and compel telecom companies to deny unlawful or arbitrary shutdown orders.”
As digital connectivity becomes increasingly central to daily life, the researchers are calling on African governments, regional institutions, telecom providers, and civil society to take note to shut the internet in advance of elections and during citizen protests, and to maintain their human rights commitments to free expression, association and political participation, PIN added.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X
