DRC Internet Shutdown: Fizi Territory Mobile Network Blackout Enters Month-Long Period

• The Democratic Republic of Congo has been experiencing an extended internet and mobile network shutdown in the Fizi Territory for over a month.
• The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on authorities to restore services, citing concerns about freedom of expression and press freedoms.
• The affected area includes the city of Baraka, which is located in the South Kivu province in eastern Congo.

The CPJ has urged authorities to respect these rights and restore mobile telecommunications and internet services.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been experiencing an extended internet and mobile network shutdown in the Fizi Territory for over a month. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on authorities to restore services, citing concerns about the impact on freedom of expression and press freedoms. The affected area includes the city of Baraka, which is located in the South Kivu province in eastern Congo.

The shutdown raises questions about the government's authority to restrict access to information and communication services. While the exact legal framework governing internet shutdowns in the DRC is unclear, international human rights law emphasizes the importance of freedom of expression and access to information. The CPJ has urged authorities to respect these rights and restore mobile telecommunications and internet services.

The prolonged blackout has significant implications for businesses operating in the region, as well as for citizens who rely on these services for communication, access to information, and economic opportunities. Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the situation closely, as it may have far-reaching consequences for supply chains, business operations, and individual freedoms.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the situation for potential disruptions to business operations and supply chains in the region, as well as any implications for freedom of expression and press freedoms.

Source: Original reporting via Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)