In the first half of 2023, there was a significant increase in internet restrictions in African countries compared to the same period in 2022. According to a study by Surfshark based on the Internet Shutdown Tracker, nine African countries implemented new internet disruptions during this period. These countries were Ethiopia, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Sudan, and Tanzania, and the restrictions were imposed amid protests or political turmoil.

The types of restrictions varied among the countries. For instance, Ethiopia restricted social media access in February 2023 during protests related to the split of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, while Tanzania temporarily restricted the social audio platform Clubhouse, frequently used by activists and the diaspora, amid political turmoil. Mauritania imposed two nationwide internet restrictions in March and May during protests over a prison riot and the death of an individual in police custody, respectively. Sudan implemented a series of nationwide internet restrictions starting in April amid armed conflict between rival military forces. Guinea imposed social media restrictions in May amid anti-government demonstrations, and Senegal temporarily restricted social media and mobile internet access in June 2023 during protests over the sentencing of an opposition leader.

Protests were the leading cause of government-imposed internet restrictions globally, with more than two-thirds of the new disruptions triggered by public demonstrations. Asia had the highest number of new internet restrictions, with Iran, India, and Pakistan being the top three countries with new cases. Internet shutdowns during political unrest are concerning, as they limit people's ability to spread information, organize protests, access medical aid, and communicate with friends and family.

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