Internet Without Borders Calls for the inclusion of Digital rights issue into Rex Tillerson’s agenda during his trip to Africa

Paris, March 7, 2018 : This month, the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, is conducting his first official diplomatic trip to Africa, from March 6 to March 12. His first stop is at Chad then he will visit Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya and Nigeria.

During his visit, the US Secretary of State is expected to discuss, among other things, counter-terrorism, trade and investment. Considering this topic list, Internet Without Borders is urging Mr.Tillerson to also address the issue of digital rights. There has been a tendency of government ordered internet shutdowns in the continent. The latest SMS and internet blackout in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Feb.25, 2018 can serve as a case in point.

“ We call on Rex TILLERSON and the US government, in their objectives of helping Africa, to be demanding in terms of respect for digital rights and the protection of Internet users. the digital revolution is the cornerstone of all development plans in Africa today and tomorrow. It is for Africa what the industrial revolution was for the USA ”, said Abdelkerim Yacoub Koundougoumi, Head of the Central African division of Internet Without Borders.

Internet Without Borders is calling the US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, to urgently discuss the digital rights question during his trip to Africa. Internet Without Borders hopes that addressing such issue, at the diplomatic level, would prompt a change in the liberticidal practices of the African governments.

—–

For more information:
Contact Abdelkerim Yacoub Koundougoumi
+33 06 47 92 52 73
abdelkerimyacoub@gmail.com