The Cameroonian government has been accused of trying to muzzle protestors in its predominantly English regions through an internet shut down that has lasted five days.
Citizens began noting that internet access has gradually been cut off in a number of cities and towns in Bamende and Yaounde, the only two English regions in the Francophone country.
The shut down is reportedly a response to ongoing protests and strikes by local lawyers and teachers who claim that the Paul Biya-led government is allowing French to “sideline” English in the central African country.
A letter dated 18th January 2017 sent to the Post and Telecommunications ministry from the director of Cameroonin ISP, CAMTEL, with the subject line “Suspension of internet services in certain sensitive regions” confirms that necesary arrangements for the shutdown had been arranged, as instructed by the department’s minister, Libom Li Likeng.
ISPs and mobile networks, including MTN, were warned to respect the measures taken in close collaboration with the government or face clamp downs.
CAMTEL alleges that access has been restored, but users still report that there’s no internet access and are rallying behind the #BringBackOurInternet hashtag to demand government restores connectivity.
#Cameroon govt blocked all internet access in English-Speaking regions Join us in telling them to #BringBackOurInternet #KeepItOn
Pls RT— Rebecca Enonchong (@africatechie) January 22, 2017
Please retweet this to support the campaign #BringBackOurInternet in Anglophone Regions of #Cameroon
— Francis Nzukou (@Tazutadjo) January 22, 2017
National unity & security is used as the reason for invasive monitoring to clamp down on internet & #socialmedia use. #BringBackOurInternet. pic.twitter.com/prMZzmAVFk
— Kathleen Ndongmo (@KathleenNdongmo) January 23, 2017
Access to Internet is a basic human right. It’s 5 days since Cameroon gov’t cut internet for 7m Anglophones #BringBackOurInternet #KeepitOn
— Fidelis Ndeh-Che (@fnche) January 23, 2017
@cheveningfco we have no INTERNET in southern Cameroon #BringBackOurInternet #FreeSouthernCameroon #WeWillWin @MincomCameroun
— Chris _Tebid (@Chris_Tebid) January 23, 2017
[Image – CC Ranks]
