Mauritius’ Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) published a statement Friday implementing a comprehensive suspension of social media access across the island nation.
The statement directed all internet service providers to “suspend access to all social media platforms,” citing “illegal postings” that could affect national security and public safety. This measure, confirmed by the Netblocks Internet Observatory as affecting Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, is set to continue through November 11, one day after the country’s general election.
Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth’s office justified the restrictions as necessary to preserve national security following the publication of leaked audio recordings. The recent wiretapping scandal involved approximately 20 leaked conversations of high-ranking politicians, police officers, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that the surveillance targeted five prominent journalists, raising concerns about press freedom and source protection. RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa director Sadibou Marong stated:
Eavesdropping on journalists’ telephone conversations and exposing them on social media constitutes a serious threat to their safety and the protection of their sources. As Mauritius is heading into legislative elections, RSF is concerned about these leaks, which point to a system of widespread wiretapping that does not spare media professionals.
The controversy has intensified with the arrest of former Mauritius Telecom CEO Sherry Singh and three others in connection with the investigation into the leaks. The charges have not been publicly disclosed.
Critics have claimed the social media suspension conflicts with Mauritius’ constitutional protections for freedom of expression. According to the US State Department’s 2023 Human Rights Report, while Mauritian law prohibits expressions intended to stir up hatred based on protected characteristics, the government had generally respected freedom of expression and had not previously restricted internet access.
Opposition leaders have announced plans to challenge the ban’s legality. Paul Berenger, a leader of the opposition Alliance for Change coalition, called the measure “shocking, repugnant and unacceptable,” while his colleague Nando Bodha argued it frontally attacks fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of expression.
This development occurs against the backdrop of Mauritius’ upcoming general election. Prime Minister Jugnauth, who inherited the position from his father in 2017 and won the election in his own right in 2019, seeks reelection as head of the Militant Socialist Movement party. Mauritius ranks among the more politically stable nations in Africa, with an established track record of holding regular elections. The current restrictions on social media access and the underlying surveillance controversy, however, have raised concerns about potential impacts on electoral integrity and democratic freedoms.
