Africa Rule of Law Discussion Series: Internet Shutdowns in Africa

Join us for this timely virtual panel about governments’ increasing use of internet, communications, and social media shutdowns in countries across Africa.

Over the last decade, there have been nearly 200 documented government-imposed internet shutdowns in 41 countries across the region, and researchers estimate the real number may be even higher.

These shutdowns are especially common in the days leading up to and following elections, cutting citizens off from critical information just when they need it most.

In addition to violating standards for access to information and undermining the credibility of the electoral processes, these shutdowns also raise several urgent rule of law concerns, such as restricting freedom of the press without effective oversight from legislative or judicial branches, suppressing documentation of other human rights violations committed by the state, and invoking broad national security concerns to silence dissent and opposing voices.

Even though internet shutdowns often violate both domestic and international law, governments across the region are deploying them with increasing frequency.

Our speakers will discuss these concerning tactics, drawing on recent examples from countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Chad, Kenya, Senegal, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. They will highlight avenues for recourse and reform through domestic, regional, and international law, and address questions about the role and effectiveness of regional human rights bodies, courts, and other institutional mechanisms in their efforts to curb the use of internet shutdowns and protect human rights in Africa.

This event is co-sponsored by the Vance Center, the New York City Bar Association’s African Affairs and International Human Rights Committees, the Pan African Lawyers Union, and the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center.

Register to attend virtually

Internet Shutdowns in Africa: Implications for Democracy, Human Rights, and Fundamental Freedoms

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. EST / 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. SAST / 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. EAT

Location: Virtual on Zoom

Speakers

• Hon. Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
• Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Global Campaign Manager, Access Now
• Donald Deya, CEO, Pan African Lawyers Union
• Patricia Ainembabazi, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa
• Moderator: Adaobi Egboka, Africa Initiatives Director, Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice

Register to attend virtually