Mozambique shuts down Internet again

Mozambique's government has imposed its second Internet shut down in two weeks, amid election result protests. 

The government has once again restricted Internet access – affecting Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.  

The latest blackout follows a similar disruption after the country's national election results awarded the Frelimo party's presidential candidate Daniel Chapo a 70.7% election win.  

The opposition party alleges electoral fraud, prompting protests and clashes with police in the country's capital Maputo.  

Mozambique's Internet interruptions

Internet access was initially disrupted on October 25, 2024, the day after the announcement of the presidential election results, declaring the Frelimo Party the winners.

Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition candidate, maintains his victory claim and has been posting messages online from South Africa, urging protests.

Digital rights groups like Access Now have condemned both shutdowns as violations of human rights.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) resolution 580, issued in 2024, calls for maintaining Internet access during election periods.  

"Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition unequivocally condemn the actions of authorities in Mozambique in shutting down the internet and blocking social media platforms following protests against disputed election results in the presidential election held on October 9, 2024," Access Now said in a statement.

Related:No intentions to shut down Internet – Kenyan regulator

Mozambique's government has restricted Internet access affecting Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. (Source: Image by natanaelginting on Freepik)

Access Now #KeepitOn Campaign Manager Felicia Antonio reiterated that shutting down the Internet and violently cracking down on protesters in times of elections violates international human rights frameworks.

"We cannot allow authorities and Internet service providers to normalize shutdowns to silence dissent, and shroud human rights abuses without facing any consequences," Antonio added.

African governments blocking Internet

African countries have been known to shut down or restrict Internet connectivity to establish control.

In June 2024, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) pledged not to shut down the Internet amid protests over a new Finance Bill.

Senegal's authorities shut down mobile Internet after the country's President at the time, Macky Sall, postponed the presidential elections scheduled for February 25, 2024.

In June 2023, the country experienced the third shut down in a space of nine months, when Senegal restricted mobile Internet access in specific regions and during certain periods due to violent protests.

In 2021, the Zambian government also blocked access to social media platforms during that country's election.

Related:Senegal shuts down mobile Internet

That blocking was followed by mobile operator MTN being taken to court in Eswatini for blocking Internet services to its users in the country during a week of anti-monarchy protests.