Congo-Kinshasa: DR Congo Shutdown of Internet, Mobile Networks in East Extends for Over a Month Amid War

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has maintained the shutdown of mobile telecommunications and internet services in the Fizi Territory, located in the eastern province of South Kivu, for over a month. This decision is being called upon by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) to be lifted immediately. The intensification of the conflict in South Kivu must not be used as an excuse to restrict mobile and internet access, denying the population the right to information and disrupting their daily lives.

CPJ Africa Director Angela Quintal emphasized that the shutdown of internet access, SMS, and phone calls infringes upon the rights to information and communication, as guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 24 of the DRC constitution. Mobile telecommunications networks and internet access ceased on July 3, impacting people's ability to communicate and making it difficult for journalists to research, publish online, and communicate securely.

Local press reports suggest that the shutdown may be related to security concerns. Starlink satellite internet providers have also been targeted, with government soldiers confiscating equipment belonging to several media outlets. Journalists and media outlets in Fizi and Baraka are struggling to operate due to the lack of internet access, unable to relay broadcasts, suspend news bulletins, and face difficulties communicating with sources.