Access Now and KeepItOn revealed 2024 as being the worst year ever for digital shutdowns across 20 events across 15 African nations. When political turmoil grows governments more freely cut off internet access as part of their policies.
Regime leaders in Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius followed traditional disruptors in Africa such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria when they shut down internet access. The interruptions happened mainly when public demonstrations or political problems occurred.
The number of shutdowns hit its peak since 2016 with 296 instances in 54 different countries. Uganda and Annobon Island (Equatorial Guinea) both experience continuous Meta Internet limitations and Equatorial Guinea shuts down communications to Annobon Island due to environmental protests.
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Though the African Commission pursued a resolution in March 2024 to turn around digital restrictions their expansion was still documented. Authority in Mauritius took back their internet blocking decision in response to public demonstrations while President Kiir of South Sudan lifted his shutdown.
