Uganda’s Internet shutdown during the 2021 elections and similar occurrences in countries like Congo, Zambia, Niger, and Ethiopia underscore the seriousness of the issue.
Regardless of the real reason behind the shutdown, it impacted the core values of the Internet being open and globally connected and resulted in considerable economic and social loss.
With the DRC and close to 15 other African nations going to the polls within the next 10 months, against a backdrop of politically instigated internet shutdowns in many Sub-Saharan countries, it becomes increasingly important that more focus is put on addressing Internet fragmentation and maintaining its credibility.
Internet shutdowns obstruct fact-checkers and journalists from performing their role, while news consumers are left unable to access alternative sources of information. The wider impact is felt in the marketplace, as whole economies are left with significant revenue dents brought to light by Internet shutdowns.
Via The East African