The African continent has witnessed a surge in protests led by young people demanding a better future, but governments have responded with internet shutdowns and other forms of repression. In countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo, protests have been met with internet blackouts, curfews, and arrests. This has led to concerns about the role of telecommunications companies in enabling government crackdowns on dissent.
Telecommunications companies have significant control over internet infrastructure and can decide whether to allow or block online content. In some cases, they have been accused of shutting down internet services or sharing user data with governments to suppress protests. For example, in the Republic of Congo, the internet connection was throttled during the 2026 presidential election, as it was in the 2021 election.
The #Keepiton coalition has reported around 100 internet shutdowns across Africa between 2016 and 2025, with many of these shutdowns occurring in countries with authoritarian governments. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, former President Kabila's government was accused of using internet shutdowns to suppress protests during his turbulent reign and subsequent attempts to cling to power.
Some telecommunications companies have been implicated in enabling human rights violations by sharing user data with governments. For example, MTN may have allowed the General Directorate of Presidential Security in the Republic of Congo to use its official messaging service to encourage people to share information on dissidents.
Telecommunications companies such as Airtel, Tigo, MTN, and Vodacom have been accused of network shutdowns or sharing users' personal data with governments throughout Africa and the Middle East. These companies have significant investments in internet infrastructure and control network and information traffic flows.
The role of telecommunications companies in suppressing protests has raised concerns about their accountability. As gatekeepers of the internet, they have significant power to control online content and user data. However, they often avoid accountability for their actions, and there is a need for greater transparency and regulation of their activities.
Young people across Africa are leading protests for their right to a better future, but governments are using various tactics to suppress these protests. The use of internet shutdowns and sharing user data with governments is a concerning trend that highlights the need for greater accountability and regulation of telecommunications companies.
Key points
- Telecommunications companies have significant control over internet infrastructure and can decide whether to allow or block online content.
- Governments have used internet shutdowns and other forms of repression to suppress protests across Africa.
- There is a need for greater transparency and regulation of telecommunications companies' activities to prevent human rights violations.
