Advocates Push African Nations to Protect Digital Rights
Ifeoma Orji
African countries have been urged to comply with the digital rights rule of ensuring non-disruption of the internet during elections.
This became paramount following the adoption of Resolution 580 on Internet Shutdowns and Elections in Africa, which calls on African States to refrain from Internet shutdowns during elections.
Resolution 580 was adopted at the 78th Private Ordinary Session held online from February 23 to March 8, 2024.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) exercised its mandate to promote human rights per Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter), a win for Internet freedom and electoral integrity.
This comes after Paradigm Initiative engagement and collaboration with the ACHPR on the resolution addressing Internet shutdowns and elections, following robust monitoring of the digital rights environment in Africa.
Paradigm Initiatives (PIN), is a non-profit organisation that builds an ICT-enabled support system and advocates digital rights and inclusion across Africa and beyond.
Resolution 580 also urges states to require telecommunications and internet service providers to inform users of potential disruptions and exercise due diligence to resolve any disruptions expeditiously. It reminds States of their oversight duty to ensure transparency from the private sector, a step that will ensure States refrain from arbitrary actions restricting internet access.
This year, at least 21 African countries have elections, a possible hive of digital rights violations, bearing in mind the likelihood of Internet shutdowns.
Countries including South Africa, Mauritania, Botswana, Namibia, and Senegal will be hosting elections, with countries notorious for internet shutdowns like Mauritania, Chad, South Sudan and Senegal necessitating numerous calls for compliance with international standards promoting freedom of expression and access to information.
So far in 2024, Chad and Senegal have already exhibited internet disruptions with a disregard for freedom of expression and access to information.
The ACHPR, in Article 9, elaborates on the importance of expression without barriers, calling for the free flow of information.
The ACHPR’s commitment to reiterating obligations for state parties to comply with the African Charter and guidelines is a positive step, particularly in advancing Internet freedom.
