Cameroon Grapples with Widespread Internet Disruption Amid Post-Election Tensions

Nationwide Connectivity Issues Reported

Internet access across Cameroon has been significantly disrupted, leaving millions of users offline amidst growing political tension. The widespread outage began around October 23, 2025, coinciding with protests that erupted following the country's disputed presidential election. Internet monitoring organizations, including NetBlocks and Ioda, have confirmed a 'major and ongoing disruption' to connectivity, affecting both mobile and fixed-line services across the nation.

Disputed Election Fuels Unrest

The internet disruption follows the October 12, 2025, presidential election, which has been marred by allegations of irregularities. On October 23, 2025, the Constitutional Council dismissed all petitions challenging the election results, effectively clearing the path for the re-election of 92-year-old President Paul Biya. Biya, who has governed Cameroon for over four decades, is widely expected to extend his 43-year tenure. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a former Biya ally, has claimed victory with 54.8% of the votes, urging the incumbent to 'step aside peacefully and respect the will of the people.' The official results are anticipated to be announced on October 27, 2025.

Protests and Government Response

Widespread protests have erupted in major cities, including the capital Yaoundé, the economic hub Douala, and northern cities such as Maroua and Garoua. Eyewitnesses have reported clashes between security forces and opposition supporters, with instances of tear gas deployment and arrests. Reports indicate at least two deaths in the northern regions amidst the unrest. While the Cameroonian government has not issued an official statement regarding the internet outages, state-owned telecommunications provider CAMTEL initially attributed the disruptions to a 'technical incident involving Wacs cable.' However, digital rights groups suggest the timing of the outage points to an intentional effort to restrict information flow during a period of political volatility.

Impact on Rights and Daily Life

The internet blackout has severe implications for citizens, businesses, and the media. Digital rights advocates warn that such disruptions:

• Hinder the free flow of information and media coverage.
• Restrict freedom of expression and access to information.
• Impede communication, affecting daily life, education, and healthcare services.
• Violate fundamental human rights enshrined in the Cameroonian Constitution and international instruments.

Organizations like Paradigm Initiative, Digital Rights Alliance Africa, and the #KeepItOn coalition have condemned the disruptions, urging Cameroonian authorities to immediately restore full internet access and uphold citizens' rights. Cameroon has a history of internet restrictions during periods of political tension, including a 93-day shutdown in 2017 in its Anglophone regions.