- Politicizing internet access isolates citizens, weakens democracy, and deepens inequality across African communities.
- The AFRINIC governance crisis shows how political interference in digital infrastructure disrupts trust and stability.
Disconnecting citizens from civic life
When internet access is politicized, communities—especially marginalized ones—lose essential connection to information, services, and opportunity. Internet shutdowns during political unrest across Africa reached record levels in 2024, including in Mauritius, where millions have been cut off during times of crisis. These shutdowns silence dissent, hinder access to health and education, and strip communities of their ability to voice needs—effectively a modern curtain drawn between citizens and digital citizenship.
Politicized access breeds skepticism in democracies. Research shows that internet users in Africa often develop lower trust in institutions and a diminished view of democracy’s legitimacy. In settings where infrastructure is tampered with for political gain, citizens begin to view digital channels themselves as partisan tools instead of neutral platforms—strike hard at community cohesion and democratic engagement.
Also read: Constitutional ambiguities in Mauritius: Who benefits and how they affect AFRINIC’s stability
Also read: AFRINIC’s independence: Why rule of law must prevail over political interference
Digital divides deepen societal inequality
High costs, low digital literacy, and unreliable connectivity already create structural inequality in access. When political actors manipulate access, these inequalities multiply. Rural and underserved communities fall further behind, losing out on economic development, advocacy, and access to critical services. Politicization of access doesn’t just strain infrastructure—it yields a fractured society where tech becomes privilege, not right.
The struggle over AFRINIC’s governance underscores how politicizing internet infrastructure breaks trust and destabilizes communities. In its latest governance crisis, Mauritius annulled a legitimate AFRINIC election—fueled by political instructions—ignoring the Companies Act and undermining multistakeholder norms. This disconnect between legal frameworks and political will mirrors how communities are shut out when access becomes a political weapon.
