In 2024, elections are scheduled for Mali, Malawi, Chad, and Mauritania. Given their track record of imposing internet restrictions in the past, these countries are at risk of more restrictions as elections draw near
Key takeaways from the study
- Globally, there were 76 new internet restrictions in 2023. 17 of them happened in Africa.
- Senegal imposed the highest number of restrictions in Africa — 5. The restrictions happened following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.
- Zimbabwe, Gabon and Chad imposed restrictions amid elections.
Surfshark’s internet shutdown yearly recap reveals that Africa was the second most intensive continent in internet restrictions (behind Asia) in 2023. Most internet freedom violations in Africa happened in 4 countries: Senegal (5 cases), Ethiopia, Guinea, and Mauritania (2 cases each).
“Internet shutdowns are commonly used by autocratic regimes to hinder communications, thwart protest organization, and cut people off from loved ones in times of political unrest. During elections, internet restrictions limit the spread of information about candidates, eroding the democratic integrity of elections. Furthermore, amid violent government crackdowns, internet blackouts can effectively prevent the dissemination of critical information regarding human rights abuses to the international community. The increasingly frequent use of internet shutdowns threatens the global foundation of free speech and human rights, dangerously tipping the scale towards oppression and away from democratic accountability.”, says Lina Survila, Surfshark spokeswoman.
Senegal imposed the highest number of restrictions in Africa — 5
The Senegalese government imposed internet restrictions following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Measures included limiting access to social media platforms and an internet curfew during the summer.
In Ethiopia, access to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Telegram, and TikTok was restricted in response to protests against the government’s attempt to split the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Guinea and Mauritania also imposed restrictions amid protests and political tensions.
Zimbabwe, Gabon and Chad imposed restrictions amid elections. Somalia, Sudan and Tanzania imposed restrictions amid political tensions as well.
In 2024, elections are scheduled for Mali, Malawi, Chad, and Mauritania. All these countries have a history of internet restrictions during elections, making them vulnerable to further disruptions.
The Internet Censorship Tracker was developed by Surfshark in partnership with internet watchdog NetBlocks.
The research tracks partial and complete internet and social media shutdowns in 196 countries and territories from 2015 onwards.
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