[Community-Discuss] Internet shutdown in Africa

[Dewole Ajao]

I was of the opinion that this was a community discussion and we were 
each speaking in our capacity as (potentially) affected users - not from 
an AFRINIC perspective; AFRINIC does not determine the engagement in our 
countries anyway.

You are right, though - the local Internet Governance initiative such as 
Benin IGF (if it exists in a multi- stakeholder fashion) would be a good 
platform for engaging with and educating the policy makers.

Dewole.

On 4/30/2019 9:01 PM, Ish Sookun wrote:
> Hi Dewole,
>
> On 4/30/19 11:25 PM, Dewole Ajao wrote:
>> I wouldn't say any website should be blocked. If the policy makers have
>> a concern (founded or unfounded), all we can do is try to educate them
>> and show them better ways to deal with their concerns. Now is the time
>> to start that engagement (if possible) - not after they have started
>> blocking stuff.
> I believe that fits the IGF.
>
> It would be ideal if a discussion could start here and reach people with
> decision-making mandates. At the moment, I do not see anything within
> AFRINIC that could take things beyond the mailing list, except the will
> of people.
>
> Benin is part of the West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF).
> There is no mention of the internet shutdown that happened in Benin at
> https://www.waigf.org/news. Shouldn't the regional IGFs write in support
> of internet users of Benin?
>
> Regards,
>
> Ish Sookun