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.
On October 25, mobile internet connection was disrupted across Mozambique, as protests erupted across the country against the re-election of the ruling Frelimo party. The unrest began on Thursday when opposition supporters accused the election commission of rigging the election results in favor of Frelimo. Since then, at least 11 people have been reported dead as police continue to crack down on protestors. While access to the internet was restored on October 26, reports on October 31 indicated that authorities once again were clamping down on people’s rights by blocking access to digital platforms curtailing people’s access to information across the country.
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.Felicia Anthonio, KeepItOn Campaign Manager at Access Now.
This is the second time authorities in Mozambique have shut down the internet in less than a year. The nation shut down the internet for the first time in 2023 during the nation’s local elections as polls closed, imposing a total blackout for at least three hours and making it almost impossible for people to access and disseminate important information with regard to the polls. A second internet shutdown under the same circumstances within a year is extremely worrying and we demand that authorities immediately restore full internet access.
Authorities in Mozambique must take a step back from this worrying trend they are heading toward; they must #KeepItOn, and respect human rights. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights resolution 580 of 2024 calls on state parties to refrain from shutting down the internet before, during, and after elections and recognises the importance of connectivity for the full realization of democratic norms and rights.Bridget Andere, Senior Policy Analyst at Access Now
We urge authorities to restore internet connectivity for people in Mozambique, and to immediately investigate reports of police brutality to ensure accountability around reported human rights violations. Internet service providers in Mozambique have a duty to uphold people’s rights and must ensure open and secure access to the internet at all times.