Cameroon is experiencing a severe, government-imposed internet blackout as nationwide protests intensify following the constitutional council’s dismissal of all legal challenges to this month’s presidential election.
The significant disruption to internet connectivity, confirmed by the monitoring group NetBlocks, is severely limiting the flow of information from the country and represents a critical blow to business operations and financial markets. The blackout coincides with reports of clashes between security forces and opposition supporters in the northern cities of Maroua and Garoua.
The political crisis was triggered when the council cleared the path for the full announcement of results from the October 12 vote, which is widely expected to extend the 43-year rule of 92-year-old President Paul Biya. The move to shut down digital communications is a familiar tactic used by the government to stifle dissent and control the narrative during periods of civil unrest.
The disruption poses immediate risks to international businesses with operations in Cameroon and raises serious questions about the stability of the Central African nation, a key regional economy. (Reuters)
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