• A general technical failure on the WACS subsea cable disrupted internet access across the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• Regulators said maintenance work is underway while authorities weigh sanctions against telecom operators.

• The outage highlights Congo’s continued reliance on limited international cable routes despite recent infrastructure investments.

Telecommunications networks in the Democratic Republic of Congo have experienced disruptions for several days, according to the sector regulator. In a statement released on Wednesday, January 14, the regulator said a general technical failure on the West Africa Cable System caused the outages. The WACS subsea cable links Europe to Africa and carries part of the country’s internet traffic.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Congo said maintenance operations are underway to restore services as quickly as possible. The regulator added that it is working with telecom operators to implement appropriate measures to support subscribers, in line with existing force majeure regulations.

This communication followed recent comments by President Félix Tshisekedi on the deterioration of telecom service quality nationwide. The head of state instructed relevant authorities to take necessary steps to end recurring disruptions affecting telecommunications networks and systems across the country. Authorities specifically mentioned potential sanctions against operators deemed responsible.

The outage has raised concerns about the resilience of Congo’s digital infrastructure, even as authorities position information and communication technologies as a driver of socio-economic development. WACS represents one of only two international subsea cables connecting the country to the global internet. The second cable, 2Africa, landed in September 2023 and entered service in December 2025. Congo also maintains two terrestrial links with Uganda via Lake Albert. In addition, the government recently finalized a $150 million partnership agreement with a Mauritian company that includes plans to install a new international subsea cable.

The incident echoes vulnerabilities exposed during major subsea cable cuts in March 2024, which triggered near-total digital blackouts across several African countries. At the time, stakeholders proposed solutions that included diversifying cable routes and expanding the use of satellite connectivity.

The Global System for Mobile Communications Association has backed the satellite option, stating that satellite networks can provide continuity when terrestrial and subsea infrastructure becomes unavailable. Zimbabwe, a landlocked country without direct access to subsea cables, has said it is exploring partnerships with low-Earth-orbit connectivity providers. Congo is also working on a project to build and launch its own telecommunications satellite.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum