Internet services have resumed in two English speaking regions of
Cameroon after a 93 day blackout. President Paul Biya ordered the restoration
of internet services yesterday April 20.
The internet was cut off in January in
the north-western and south-western regions, following protest from English
speaking community against alleged discrimination by Cameroon's French-speaking
majority. The government had alleged that social media was being used to spread
false information. The government pressured mobile operators like MTN to
shut down the internet by including suspension of internet connectivity as part
of their license conditions. No prior notice was given before the internet shut
down
Various regional internet and digital rights groups like Internet Sans Frontiers
and Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) canvassed for a restoration of internet
services in Cameroon using such hashtags like #bringbackourinternet and
#keepiton. Top UN officials viewed it as a rights violation.
Sadly, African leaders are increasingly embracing internet shutdowns as tools to
stifle spread of information on social media. Countries like Gambia, Congo,
Ethiopia, Zimbabwe have all shut down the internet in their countries
previously. Even though neighbouring Ghana did not shut down the internet
during elections, its Police Chief advocated for it. According to reports, the
internet in African countries was shut more than 50 times in 2016. This has
spurred proposals to punish African governments if they shut down access to the
internet
It is hoped that Nigeria would not join this negative trend
