In a number of African countries, the space for civic protest continues to shrink. Governments are increasingly using force and technical measures to suppress public discontent: arresting activists, imposing curfews, and shutting down the internet during mass demonstrations. Telecommunications companies operating in these countries often become tools of the state — at the government's request, they block access to the network, depriving protesters of the ability to coordinate their actions and share information about what is happening. When street protests become too risky due to the threat of force, discontent moves online — social media and messaging apps become platforms for organizing and exchanging opinions. However, internet shutdowns effectively deprive activists of this communication channel as well. Experts note that such practices undermine civil society's ability to defend its rights and restrict the population's access to independent information. Internet shutdowns also cause economic damage, affecting businesses and the everyday lives of citizens who have nothing to do with the protests. Human rights organizations are calling on telecom operators to resist such government demands and to protect citizens' right to free access to information and communication.