Shrinking democratic space as countries stifle internet and social media freedoms

While only Africans will make democracy work, external influences can make a difference here

Photo credit: Reuters

Tanzania may have taken the spotlight this year for shutting down the internet for four days from October 29, election day. But several African countries also restricted internet access to manage political debate.

NetBlocks, a global internet observatory, reported that Tanzania imposed nationwide restrictions during the general election, disrupting mobile data and blocking social media across major networks.