Open letter calling for transparency and continuity of Internet access in Cameroon - Internet Sans Frontières
October 23, 2025
To
The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications,
The Minister of Territorial Administration,
The Chief Executive Officers of telecommunications operators in Cameroon,
Subject: Call for transparency and guaranteed continuity of Internet access in Cameroon
We, organizations and actors of Cameroonian and international civil society committed to the defense of human and digital rights, express our deep concern about the Internet disruptions observed since the morning of October 23, 2025, throughout Cameroon.
Such disruptions negatively affect the ability of citizens, journalists, businesses, and organizations to communicate freely and access information.
These interruptions, ahead of the official announcement of the results of the presidential election held on October 12, 2025, raise legitimate concerns about a deliberate restriction of civic space and a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression, information, and assembly, recognized by the Constitution of Cameroon and guaranteed by Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
We solemnly request:
1. That the Cameroonian authorities communicate clearly and publicly on the origin, extent, and expected duration of these disruptions, and guarantee the immediate and complete restoration of Internet access.
2. Telecommunications operators (MTN, Orange, Nexttel, Camtel) to inform users about the technical or administrative causes of the disruptions and to be transparent about any official orders they may have received regarding service restrictions.
3. The Cameroonian government should publicly commit to not disrupting or restricting access to the Internet or communication platforms, especially during the period surrounding the official announcement of the presidential election results.
Why transparency is essential
Uninterrupted access to the Internet is essential for the safety of citizens, the transparency of the electoral process, and democratic trust. Cuts or restrictions on access only fuel mistrust, disrupt economic activity, and increase the risk of misinformation.
We, the undersigned, firmly believe that open dialogue between the authorities, operators, and civil society can strengthen trust during this crucial period.
We remain available for any constructive exchange aimed at strengthening digital resilience and protecting the fundamental rights of all Cameroonians.
Signatorie (alphabetical order):
Access Now
ADISI-Cameroun
Africa Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA)
Bolo Bhi
CIPESA – Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa
Committee to Protect Journalists
Digital Access
Digital Rights Kashmir
FAIBATEK
Freedom Forum- Nepal
Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria
Initiative for Embracing Humanity in Africa (IEHA)
Internet Sans Frontières
JCA-NET(Japan)
Kictanet
Kijiji Yeetu
Kmertech
Life campaign to abolish the death sentence in Kurdistan Network
Maya Smart Enterprise
Ngoscies Enterprise
Opening Central Africa
Organization of the Justice Campaign
Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
Project C
Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet)
Sassoufit collective
SMSWithoutBorders
Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group
West African Digital Rights Defenders Coalition
Women Empower and Mentor All CBO(WEmpower)