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Reports of internet disruptions in Zimbabwe

By , ITWeb
Zimbabwe , 23 Aug 2023
Netblocks said metrics indicate that internet service in Zimbabwe has been degraded on the eve of elections.
Netblocks said metrics indicate that internet service in Zimbabwe has been degraded on the eve of elections.

Authorities are reportedly meddling with the internet as Zimbabwe stages what appears to be another disputed election.

NetBlocks, an international monitoring organisation that monitors cyber security and internet governance, revealed the internet had been affected.

"Metrics indicate that internet service in Zimbabwe has been degraded on the eve of elections," Nteblocks stated.

It also added the move impacted internet mobile network companies such as Econet, NetOne, TelOne, Telecel, and the Liquid technology company, potentially impacting citizens' ability to stay informed.

This is the latest in a series of internet outages in Zimbabwe as the country struggles with economic and political issues.

"Zimbabwe authorities have previously shut down internet access prior to planned protests and during fuel price demonstrations," according to NetBlocks.

When Nelson Chamisa, the primary opposition leader, founded his Citizens Coalition for Change in early 2022, the internet was also throttled. 

In March, the service was also halted due to protests.

Similar disruptions occurred in 2019, when a dramatic increase in petrol prices sparked protests and a harsh response by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government.

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