by Muyiwa Matuluko

Following a week of violent protests that plagued 3 cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) leading to the deaths of at least 42 people, the government of DRC has taken the drastic step of cutting off all internet and SMS connectivity in the country.

The protests began last Monday after a controversial electoral bill, perceived to keep President Joseph Kabila in power beyond 2016, didn’t sit well with the masses. However, the mass protests soon escalated to uncontrollably violent conditions, which led to the government’s decision to bar connectivity.

In a statement to the press, government spokesperson, Lambert Mende explained that the decision was made for security reasons. “We couldn’t fold our arms to see protesters urging people to loot and burn properties and kill MPs and members of the government,” said Mende.

The drastic measure appears to have achieved its purpose. Order appears to be have been restored in the affected cities of Kinshasa, Goma and Bukavu. Schools however are yet to resume and, as of this publication, SMS connectivity has not been restored. But internet appears to becoming back in trickles, to allow banks and other corporate bodies operate at some level.

However, follow up protests against the internet cut off and barring of opposition TV stations are expected to take place today.

Muyiwa