In DR Congo, will new legislation protect citizens’ digital rights?

Providence Baraka |

This article is part of UPROAR, a Small Media initiative that is urging governments to address digital rights challenges at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). 

In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed conflict has gripped the region for decades, rebel groups often use kidnappings to secure ransoms in their bid for power in the region.

According to LUCHA, a nonviolent, nonpartisan citizen movement,…

Invitation for Public Comments on Building an Enabling Environment for Inclusive Digital Transformation in Africa: Roadmap To Reform

Call for Comments |

The 2018 introduction of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) marked an opportune time to advance dialogue and consensus on how to shape and govern the digital economy on the continent to promote greater regional cohesion, development, and competitiveness.

AfCFTA came into force on May 30, 2019 and has the goal of establishing a free trade area among all…

The Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2020 (FIFAfrica20) is Open For Registration!

FIFAfrica20 |

On September 28-30, 2020, the seventh edition of the annual Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) will be co-hosted by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and Paradigm Initiative (PIN).

FIFAfrica20 will be a hybrid event featuring online and offline engagements. In-country satellite events will be hosted in the Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic…

Call for Applications: Level Up Your OrgSec!

Announcement |

Are you worried about hackers and phishing? Are you an organisation with digital security concerns?  Do you want to pursue activism and advocacy safely and securely? If these descriptions sound like your organisation, then you shouldn’t miss out on joining this exciting and fast-paced program working with human rights technologists to improve your organisational security!

If you are a technologist, trainer,…

Niger Passes New Law on Interception of Communications

By Simone Toussi and Thomas Robertson |

In response to national security challenges related to terrorism, ethnic conflict and organized crime, Niger promulgated a new law on the interception of communications, with surveillance implications that threaten the right to free speech and privacy online.

In April 2020, the Nigerien Council of Ministers tabled a bill aimed at securing a legitimate basis for…

Le Niger Adopte une Nouvelle Loi sur l’Interception des Communications Électroniques

Par Simone Toussi et Thomas Robertson |

Face aux problèmes de la sécurité nationale liée au terrorisme, au conflit ethnique, et au crime organisée, le Niger a promulgué une nouvelle loi sur l’interception des communications électroniques, avec  des ramifications qui menacent la liberté d’expression  et le droit à la vie privée en ligne.

En avril 2020, le Conseil des Ministres nigérien a…

Tanzania Entrenches Digital Rights Repression Amidst Covid-19 Denialism and a Looming Election

By Edrine Wanyama |

On July 17, 2020, the Tanzania government issued new Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, 2020 that apply to online content production, hosting and dissemination. The regulations entrench the licencing and taxation of bloggers, online discussion forums, radio and television webcasters, and repress online speech, privacy and access to information.

The passage of the new regulations raises concerns over free…

An earthquake Shook Tanzania. A New Law Prohibits Citizens from Speaking About It Online

By Pernille Baerendtsen and Amanda Lichtenstein |

New online content regulations prohibit certain topics without government approval.

When a major earthquake of 6.0 on the Richter scale shook coastal East Africa at around 8:15 on August 12, Tanzanians quickly took to Twitter to report on the unusual natural event that momentarily swayed chandeliers, shattered windows and cracked walls.

The earthquake hit beneath the Indian Ocean, approximately 82…

Guinea Bissau: 30 Radio Stations Suspend Broadcast Over Attack on One Station

News Update in Guinea Bissau |

Thirty radio stations in Guinea Bissau suspended broadcast for 24 hours. The act was in solidarity with Radio Capital FM after a disturbing attack on the media outlet.

Seven privately-owned and 23 community radio stations across Guinea Bissau took part in the act termed “a day of silence”. About thirty journalists also gathered in front of Capital…

Malawi Telcos Reduce Data Prices in Response to CHRR, CIPESA Campaign

By Jimmy Kainja |

 Malawi’s two leading telecommunication companies, Airtel Malawi and Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), have reduced data prices in recent weeks. In a July 30, 2020 statement, Airtel Malawi announced new data bundle prices, with reductions of up to 40%. Only a month earlier in June 2020, Airtel Malawi published financial statements showing it recorded profits of 588% for the…