The controlled supply of
internet to the population of the North West region since September 29, 2017
has raised concerns over free speech in Cameroon. According to many city
dwellers, the absence of internet on mobile phones in Bamenda is an outrageous government
interference generating concerns that authorities are curbing free speech particularly
by advocacy groups or individuals who use the digital world for campaigns.
There has been no government
declaration on the subject but the 93days internet shutdown at the start of the
year advancing security reasons during civil unrest still remains vivid to
internet users.
Though mobile internet
services are not available in the region, a few individuals with non-mobile
options have internet access.
Speaking during a news
conference in Bamenda Wednesday October 4, 2017, an SDF Stalwart Felix Teche
Nyamusa accused the government of being responsible for the internet
“shutdown.” The SDF militant who presents himself to anyone who case to listen
as “SDF Presidential Hopeful pending primaries” castigated the government’s
decision as an attempt to stifle a free press or freedom of expression.
Colbert Gwain a Bamenda
based internet rights activist corroborating Teche Nyamusa described the entire
situation in the NW as a shutdown. Gwain justified his stand explaining that
international norms describe internet shutdown as “an intentional disruption of
internet” This he explained renders internet inaccessible or effectively
unusable, often to exert control over the flow of information. Going by the
position of the activist who spent time during the first ever internet shutdown
in the region to campaign for internet reinstatement, the fact that some people
cannot have access to the internet is a threat to free speech.
The internet suspension
incidents come with the civil unrest which has included protests by the
Anglophone Community calling for a review on the form of state or outright
independence. The earlier shutdown, which the government claimed was necessary
for maintaining public order, typically happened without official explanation
but the most recent comes just after Post and Telecommunications Minister
disclaimed social media post that there would be internet shutdown. The Internet disruption has lasted several days.
It has so far incited little dissent in the concerned regions apart from
frustration expressed by internet users.
"These
things leave you feeling like you don't know what's going on," said Cliff
Yenla, a teacher in one of the primary schools in Bamenda, after a four-day
internet shutdown.
The
internet service control in the city started September 29 as October 1
approached with possible clashes between locals and police that will happen
leaving many dead and injured.
Tags
Opinion