Whenever there is a protest, one of the first moves to hinder or stifle the demonstrations is to cut internet access.
This year, Iran has reportedly blocked Telegram and Instagram in the light of the ongoing civil unrest.
Now, Democratic Republic of Congo’s government has cut internet and SMS services across the country.
Grassroots Catholic activists have called for marches in major cities on Sunday to demand that President Joseph Kabila commit to not changing the constitution to stand for a third term and release political prisoners.
Kabila was required by the constitution to step down in December last year when his mandate expired but an election to replace him has been repeatedly delayed and is now scheduled for December 2018.
Emery Okundji, the minister of telecommunications said about the internet suspension: “It is for reasons of state security. In response to violence that is being prepared, the government has the duty to take all measures to protect Congolese lives.”
Congo’s government also cut internet and SMS service during anti-government demonstrations in January 2015.
