Internet shutdowns and disruptions have increasingly become a tool employed by
African governments during elections to control the flow of information, limit voter
engagement, and suppress dissent. Such disruptions involve the complete or partial
disruption of access to the internet and digital communication channels, which
significantly impacts on electoral processes.1
Several countries, including Chad (2016 and
2024), Burundi (2020), Cameroon (2018), Comoros (2024), Democratic Republic of
Congo (2016), Ethiopia (2021), Guinea (2020), Nigeria, Mali (2020), Mauritania (2019),
Republic of the Congo (2016 and 2021), Senegal, Tanzania (2020 and 2025), Togo,
Uganda (2016 and 2021) and Zimbabwe (2018 & 2019), have instituted internet
shutdowns and disruptions in the period leading up to and in the aftermath of elections
contrary to regional and international human rights standards protecting rights during
elections.