Are Internet Shutdowns in Africa countries stifling press and freedom of speech? When it comes to internet shutdowns, African nations are among the world's worst violators, from Ethiopia in the east to Algeria in the north, Cameroon in the center and Zimbabwe in the south, countries are regularly cutting off connectivity for extended periods than any other region globally. Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are the latest African countries to shut down internet and broadcasting services. Governments in this countries have cited incitements to violence, exam cheating and hate speech for disrupting internet connectivity. The internet is crucial as the platform to which citizens of different countries turn when they want to express dissent or criticize their governments. We will examine why such Internet shutdowns are on the rise, especially during elections and other moments of political tension, when access to information is critical for the public to make informed decisions.
GUEST: Siphumelele Zondi, Creator, Senior Producer and Anchor of Network, a Technology news programme on SABC, DSTV 404