By alimamy.jalloh@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In the Republic of Guinea, where there are 2.40 million social media users with an internet speed of 3.92 Mbps, a digital report by Ookla data in 2022 reveals that a significant number of Guineans are struggling to enjoy internet access on social media channels due to a government shutdown aimed at combating perceived propaganda.
The government’s action affected online TV and radio stations, as well as various social media platforms, prompting concerns from citizens about the limitations imposed on their digital communication.
According to Ookla data, Guinea had 3.15 million internet users in January 2022, with an internet penetration rate of 23.0% at the start of the year. The Kepios analysis indicates an 84,000 increase in internet users, representing a growth of +2.8% between 2021 and 2022.
Between 2023 and 2024, Guinean citizens have reported difficulties using popular platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger due to the partial internet shutdown. Notably, online TV and radio platforms, including ESPACE TV and Radio, DJOMA TV and FM, and FIM FM, were completely closed, as authorities believed they were involved in spreading propaganda messages.
Sulaiman Kamara in Conakry highlighted that professional mobile communication channels like Gmail, Twitter, and YouTube downloading videos remained unaffected by the shutdown. However, the key social media platforms closure have forced citizens to resort to VPN apps for text and voice communication, causing inefficiency and ineffectiveness in local and international communication.
Mr. Kamara shared his frustration, stating, “I tried to make a phone call to my father from Conakry to Sierra Leone, and it was very challenging to connect.”
In Labbe, another province in Guinea, Mr. Sorie Bailoh Jalloh reported using VPN initially but faced challenges when it was blocked. He has now turned to another App called BNB, which has limitations in voice note communication, and messages experience delays before reaching the recipient.
This recent internet disruption, starting on November 24, is the second within six months, as reported by Cellou Barry, a spokesman for the Coalition of Consumer Associations in Guinea. The shutdown blocks access to popular platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, and more, requiring users to employ virtual private network (VPN) software to circumvent the restrictions.
Reportedly, Facebook reach in Guinea was 16.1%, and Instagram had an ad reach equivalent to 1.2% of the total population at the start of 2022. Other professional social media platforms like Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube recorded varying percentages between December 2022 and December 2023. These disruptions raise concerns about freedom of information and digital communication rights in Guinea, prompting citizens to find alternative means to stay connected. AJ/14/1/2024
