Friday, January 31, 2025: We, the Net Rights Coalition (NRC) members, are a pan-African coalition of Internet freedom activists who share knowledge and experiences to combat digital rights threats, please note our interest in this matter. 

We strongly condemn the internet shutdown in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has cut off millions from essential communication and information services at a critical time. The disruption, which began around January 25, 2025, has severely impacted businesses, humanitarian efforts, and daily life for residents already suffering due to the ongoing conflict between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group. The internet blackout, enforced by authorities, has left people unable to access vital information, connect with loved ones, or seek emergency assistance, further deepening the crisis.

Over the past few days, the people of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been caught in a state of conflict in a difficult and dangerous situation. The security situation in Goma has deteriorated rapidly. On January 27, 2025, the M23 rebel group reportedly took control of parts of the city, escalating tensions and forcing many civilians to flee. In response to the growing unrest, authorities implemented an internet shutdown, effectively silencing voices and limiting access to real-time updates on the conflict.  This action follows a troubling trend in the DRC, where authorities have previously resorted to restricting digital access during times of political tension and unrest. The shutdown has also affected access to mobile networks, further isolating people in the region. According to reports from NetBlocks, connectivity disruptions were observed across Goma and its surrounding areas, confirming the internet shutdown.

Cutting off internet access is a violation of fundamental human rights. Access to the internet is essential, especially during crises when people rely on it for information, safety coordination, and emergency response. The impact of this shutdown extends beyond individual users—businesses that depend on digital transactions, journalists who report on the ground, and humanitarian organizations coordinating aid efforts are all facing significant disruptions.

The situation in Goma is not an isolated case. In recent years, governments across Africa have increasingly resorted to internet shutdowns to control information during elections, protests, and conflicts. Similar shutdowns have been recorded in the DRC alone in previous years, notably during electoral periods and times of civil unrest. This pattern of digital repression undermines democratic principles and violates international standards on freedom of expression and access to information.

As such, we call on the Congolese authorities to ensure open internet access during this critical time and to restore internet access in Goma and other affected areas, ensuring the community is not shut out from the rest of the world in this conflict time.

We also urge the African Union (AU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene calling for an open internet access among other relevant interventions required to put an end to the conflict in the region. 

Signed:

1. Accountability Lab Nigeria
2. Afia-Amani Grands-Lacs
3. AfroLeadership 
4. Bloggers of Zambia- (BloggersZM)
5. Digital Action
6. E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA)
7. Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria
8. Paradigm Initiative
9. West African Digital Rights Defenders Coalition
10. Zaina Foundation