Internet services across East Africa are back online after a four-day outage triggered by damage to two crucial undersea cables, EASSy and SEACOM. The disruption, affecting Kenya, Uganda, and other nations, was confirmed resolved on May 16th by major providers like Safaricom and Airtel Uganda.
However, the return of connectivity is tempered by lingering concerns about the region’s digital infrastructure and geopolitical tensions. The repair ship Léon Thévenin is en route to the damaged cable site, expected to complete repairs by May 18th. Yet, this incident is the second major outage in East Africa this year, following a February disruption also blamed on cable damage.
The frequency of these outages highlights the vulnerability of the region’s reliance on undersea cables for internet access. Experts emphasize the need for diversified infrastructure and backup systems to minimize future disruptions.
Further complicating the situation is an ongoing investigation by the Yemeni government into possible ties between the AAE-1 cable consortium and Houthi rebels. This probe has stalled repairs on a separate damaged cable in the Red Sea and raised concerns about indirect funding of terrorism. The incident underscores the intricate relationship between critical infrastructure and regional conflicts.
While the restoration of internet access has been met with relief by many, frustration persists among those who experienced prolonged outages and ongoing connectivity issues. Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, have become a forum for users to voice their grievances and seek updates from service providers like Safaricom.
Africa’s Reliance on Fragile Undersea Cables
The recent outages in East Africa are not isolated incidents. In March, four cables off the West African coast were also damaged, causing widespread disruptions. These incidents highlight the fragility of Africa’s internet infrastructure, which heavily relies on a limited number of undersea cables. Unlike Europe and North America, which have a dense network of overland and undersea cables, Africa’s connectivity is more susceptible to disruptions.
The increasing frequency of cable damage is partly due to the growing number of cables around the continent. However, the support systems for repairing these cables have not kept pace with this growth. The Léon Thévenin, the only dedicated repair ship for Africa, is struggling to keep up with the demand for repairs.
This reliance on a single ship, coupled with logistical and financial constraints, has slowed down efforts to address Africa’s internet infrastructure challenges. Some experts propose exploring alternative solutions, such as satellite internet links like Elon Musk’s Starlink project, to bolster digital resilience. However, these solutions are often expensive and not universally accessible.
Ultimately, the long-term solution lies in greater investment in ground infrastructure, including more networks, data centers, and internet exchanges. By diversifying connectivity routes and strengthening local infrastructure, Africa can reduce its vulnerability to disruptions and ensure reliable internet access for its growing population.
