Internet Shutdowns

Mobile Internet services were shut down in Burkina Faso on 20 November, 2021 following anti-government protests across the country. In response to the protests, the government announced that mobile networks would be unavailable for 96 hours, cutting off millions of citizens’ Internet access.

While fixed-line and wireless services were unaffected, there are less than 0.05 fixed line connections per 100 inhabitants, and the vast majority of Burkina Faso’s connected citizens access the Internet via mobile networks. This shutdown lasted over a week, meaning citizens could not access online businesses, banking services, health services, educational institutions, nor contact loves ones.

Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries.

VOA News interviewed Burkinabes on the street:

“Alexi Sawadogo, a physician, spoke outside a bank on one of the city’s busy boulevards. He said he was there to check his account balance as the shutdown meant he could no longer do so online. ‘It disconnects us from our friends who are outside the country, with whom we communicate regularly,’ he says. He notes that he understands that it is because of the French convoy that was blockaded in the north, but says insecurity is not a valid reason and that the government needs to review its strategy.” – Source: VOA News

Ali Dayorgo, a university student, said the shutdown has affected his ability to work and learn the latest news. –  Source: VOA News