By: Noémia Mendes
Maputo (Moz Times)- There are signs that the government will again restrict access to the internet in Mozambique as a precautionary measure to avoid the spread of information during demonstrations. This follows two weeks of Internet restrictions which affected more than seven million users in Mozambique. The new threat follows the start of the “fourth phase”of the demonstrations, running from 13 to 15 November, in protest against the results of the 2024 general elections announced by the National Elections Commission (CNE). Opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, speaking from an undisclosed hideout, announced the “fourth phase” on Monday. He said the demonstrations will continue until what he called “the restoration of the truth about the elections”.
The Internet was shut down for the first time on 25 October, on the third day of the demonstrations. The Internet was then available, but with restrictions on social media (Whatsaap, Facebook), which are used by most of the country’s users. This measure affected more than 7.9 million internet users, which is more than 23% of the Mozambican population, and about 9 million university, mid-level and basic students could not attend either face-to-face or virtual classes, and could not even interact with their teachers about updating the curriculum contents.
According to the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mateus Magala speaking at the weekend with reporters in Ressano Garcia, on the South African border, as long as there is no “civic attitude” in this post-election context there will be internet restrictions.
“I appeal to Mozambicans to opt for a civic attitude so that there is no interruption in communications”, said Magala, adding that “When we see violations that put in danger the integrity of all Mozambicans, we have to act so that our means of communication are not used to destroy the country”.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
