In Congo, the government has temporarily shut down telecom networks. The decision which took effect on March 20 was taken to insure that Elections take place peacefully and for the same atmosphere to remain today, March 21. The Elections opposed eight candidates including actual President, Dénis Sassou Nguesso. Networks should come back online this evening.

According to adiac-congo.com, Minister of Interior, Raymond Mboulou, in a letter sent telecom operators on March 19, 2016, said cutting networks was a “matter of national safety and security”. Truly, Congo’s authorities wanted to prevent the publishing of any “illegal” results which could have resulted in turmoil. They also wanted to prevent any troublesome gathering.

For almost two days, MTN and Airtel’s users were unable to make calls, send SMS or use internet. Congolese outside the country could not have any information on polls asides via official channels given that social networks, which are internet-dependent, could also not be accessed.