Mauritius’s communications regulator has directed all internet service providers to block access to social media platforms until November 11, a day after the upcoming general election, Reuters reported.
This decision follows a wiretapping scandal that has shaken the nation. Since mid-October, around 20 conversations involving politicians, police, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members have been leaked on social media, according to media watchdog Reporters Without Borders.
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority stated that the temporary social media ban was imposed due to “illegal postings.”
The Prime Minister’s office added that the restriction was essential to protect national security and the country’s integrity after the release of “certain” audio recordings.
“A crisis committee is currently meeting to contain the existing risks as soon as possible,” said a statement from the office of Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.
EMTEL, one of the three telecom operators in Mauritius, confirmed it was working to implement the social media ban, warning that “the user experience will be progressively disrupted.” The directive comes as Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth prepares for the November 10 election, in which he aims to retain his Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) party’s majority in parliament, extending his tenure for another five years.
Jugnauth, who became prime minister in 2017 after his father stepped down, has claimed, along with the police, that the recently leaked phone calls were manipulated with artificial intelligence. The leaked conversations involve politicians, law enforcement, and members of civil society and have circulated widely on social media, prompting the government’s response.
However, civil society groups, including the Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Society, have strongly opposed the shutdown. In a joint statement, they argued that blocking digital access would “stifle democratic processes” and also harm the economy, disrupt businesses, and limit access to essential information and services. “The dangers of shutting down the internet far outweigh any perceived benefits,” they emphasized.
Cost of internet shutdowns in Africa
Across Africa, internet shutdowns have become common, particularly during times of political tension and elections. These government-imposed disruptions often range from full internet blackouts to the selective blocking of social media platforms.
As of May, large-scale internet shutdowns surrounding elections have cost an estimated $358.3 million. Senegal for instance, lost over $7.1 million due to internet restrictions during the postponement of their election.
Sudan also experienced a loss of $244.5 million due to a 3,981-hour internet shutdown, which impacted 3.6 million people. Ethiopia, on the other hand, faced a $130 million loss due to a 1,620-hour internet shutdown, affecting 3.3 million individuals.
