Damage to critical submarine cables in West Africa has severely disrupted internet stability, leaving internet services unavailable or barely functioning in large parts of the region. Particularly hindered are countries such as Ivory Coast, Liberia and Benin.
The impact in these countries ranges from severe to severe, according to research by internet watchdog group NetBlocks. The disruption not only affected vast swaths of West Africa, but also users in South Africa, with thousands reporting internet disruptions.
In statements related to the incident, Africa’s two major telecom operators, MTN and Vodafone, acknowledged that an undersea cable failure was the cause of the disruption. A Vodafone official explained, “Multiple undersea cable failures have occurred between South Africa and Europe, currently impacting network providers in South Africa, including Vodafone.”
The exact location of the damage has not been determined at this time. Additionally, the recent disconnection of the Seacom cable linking South Africa to Europe via East Africa and the Red Sea has further exacerbated existing challenges. The situation is delicate due to the geopolitical situation in the region, causing delays in restoration.
The incident marks the second time in less than a year that Africa’s internet infrastructure has been disrupted by problems with undersea cables. The length of time it will take to repair the damage is currently uncertain as the location of the damage is still unknown. This recent event undoubtedly heralds a period of further challenges not only for Africa’s telecommunications industry but also for the affected regions.
