The world marks both World News Day and the International Day for Universal Access to Information tomorrow. For many African countries, these days are usually observed with hope, but in recent years they have also become reminders of a worrying trend.
When events turn politically sensitive or socially tense, governments sometimes respond by shutting down the internet or silencing broadcasters, cutting off audiences. Such actions sever access to credible news precisely when the public’s need for it is greatest.
Misinformation and disinformation thrive on social media platforms such as TikTok Live, which have become alternative sources of truth for many.
On June 25, Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) ordered all media stations to stop live coverage of Gen Z-led protests, warning that non-compliance could result in their broadcast signals being switched off. Reports and widely circulated social media images showed CA staff deactivating free-to-air signals and taking NTV and KTN transmission stations off-air.
This move silenced real-time reporting and public discussion during a critical moment in the nation’s democratic engagement. Similarly, in Malawi, internet blackouts during protests have restricted the flow of information, limiting citizens’ access to trusted sources and curbing journalists’ ability to report freely.
Such shutdowns not only block access to facts but also create fertile ground for rumours and falsehoods to spread, as people turn to unreliable sources in the absence of verified news.
The fundamental right to know, often called the right to information or freedom of information, is a cornerstone of democracy and a universal human right. It empowers people to access information held by public bodies, fostering transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. Yet Africa’s reality starkly contrasts with global norms.
Only 55 per cent of Africa’s population lives in countries with access to information laws, according to an Afrobarometer report. This is far below the global average of 91 per cent. Eye on Global Transparency (EGT) notes that just 29 of the 55 nations on the continent, including those in the MENA region, have such laws in place.
This imbalance has serious consequences. Where laws are absent or poorly enforced, citizens are denied the means to scrutinise government actions, understand policy decisions, and hold leaders accountable.
Lack of transparency fosters corruption, undermines good governance, and weakens civil society. It also hampers journalists, researchers, and civil society groups from doing their work effectively, limiting their ability to inform the public and push for change.
The fight for universal access to information in Africa goes beyond legal frameworks. It is a battle for the essence of democracy, the protection of human rights, and the continent’s socio-economic progress. In an interconnected world, where information is both power and a catalyst for development, denying internet and media access undermines these foundations.
Advocating for universal access to information in Africa means strengthening legal protections, safeguarding liberties, and promoting social and economic growth. It is about empowering individuals, fortifying institutions, and ensuring the continent realises its potential in the 21st century.
Internet and media shutdowns silence both citizens and journalists. Without connectivity, reporters cannot verify facts, share updates, or reach audiences. Ordinary people cannot access trusted news or share what they witness.
Shutdowns fuel misinformation. When official channels go dark, rumours thrive, causing confusion, fear, and even violence.
The shutdown playbook is spreading. From blocking social media platforms to cutting mobile data entirely and silencing broadcasters, governments often justify these tactics as “security measures.” In reality, they are frequently used to hide election irregularities, police violence, or political unrest.
A new report from Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, titled Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024, records 296 internet shutdowns across 54 countries in 2024. Africa experienced its highest number ever, with 21 incidents affecting 15 countries.
In moments of upheaval, journalism is more than reporting; it is a lifeline, connecting communities to vital information and holding power accountable. When governments block communication channels, they silence dissent and sever this crucial link, plunging citizens into uncertainty and misinformation.
Yet even under these oppressive tactics, courageous journalists, driven by commitment to truth, find alternative ways to report and keep communities connected to reliable information.
To counter these alarming trends, a united response is needed. International bodies, with their diplomatic and human rights leverage, must work with media organisations, which understand the dynamics of information, and technology companies, which control the infrastructure being manipulated.
Together, they can pressure governments to end such disruptive practices and ensure people remain connected to trustworthy sources. Because when the internet goes dark or broadcasters are silenced, accountability shrinks, misinformation flourishes, and populations are left vulnerable to manipulation.
The free flow of information is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a just and equitable world.
Winnie Kamau is a Kenyan-based editor and data journalist. This piece was commissioned to mark World News Day on Sept 28, 2025.
