African Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA) Condemns Internet Shutdowns Amid Mozambique’s Post-Election Protests
November 7, 2024 – The African Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA), a coalition of leading organizations advocating for digital rights across the continent, expresses deep concern over Mozambique’s repeated internet shutdowns and social media restrictions in response to ongoing post-election protests. We urgently call upon the Mozambican government and the National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INCM) to restore full internet access immediately and to safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights to information, free expression, and peaceful assembly.
Following Mozambique’s October 9 elections, contested election results have sparked a series of protests, with citizens rallying against alleged electoral irregularities and expressing widespread dissatisfaction with the electoral process. The ruling FRELIMO party’s victory led to demonstrations that were met with government-imposed internet shutdowns and platform blocks on major networks, affecting Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Reports confirm that these restrictions have taken place multiple times, most recently on November 5.
The Mozambican government’s actions contradict established international standards and regional commitments. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in its Resolution 580 urges state parties to refrain from internet shutdowns before, during, and after elections, highlighting that connectivity is essential for the realisation of democratic norms and rights. Furthermore, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights mandate that internet service providers respect human rights and refrain from participating in actions that harm public access to information.
“The ongoing internet shutdowns in Mozambique are an unacceptable violation of fundamental rights,” stated Angela Minayo, Program Officer at ARTICLE19 Eastern Africa, a member of AIRA. “Access to information and the ability to communicate freely are critical in moments of public crisis and democratic transition. Shutting down the internet is not only repressive but directly endangers lives, livelihoods, and public safety.”
Internet shutdowns have paralyzed the economic activities of small and medium-sized enterprises reliant on social media for business, severely impacting Mozambicans’ ability to earn a living. The restrictions also hinder emergency services and obstruct the flow of crucial information amid a period of heightened national unrest
Adeboro Odunlami, Coordinator of the Alliance stressed, “We must resist normalizing internet shutdowns as a response to civil dissent. Such measures not only silence voices but conceal potential abuses, stoking further instability and violating African Commission and global human rights resolutions.”
The African Internet Rights Alliance calls on Mozambique’s government to:
- Restore full internet access immediately, in compliance with Resolution 580 of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and international human rights standards.
- Refrain from further shutdowns and uphold the rights of Mozambicans to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and access to information.
- Engage in transparent dialogue with Mozambican citizens to address grievances in a manner respectful of human rights and democratic values.
About the African Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA)
The African Internet Rights Alliance is a coalition dedicated to promoting and protecting digital rights across Africa. AIRA is committed to fostering an internet that is open, secure, and accessible for all Africans.
Amnesty International Kenya
ARTICLE19 Eastern Africa
BudgIT
CcHUB/iHUB
Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology
KICTANet
Legal Resources Centre
Paradigm Initiative
Pollicy
