South Kivu telecommunications blackout enters third month

Civil society groups in South Kivu are demanding the restoration of telecommunications services in Fizi and Baraka, which have been disconnected since July 3, 2026. In a memorandum addressed to President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, local collectives denounced the three-month blackout as a form of discrimination and injustice that hinders access to information, family communication, and economic activities.

The blackout has paralyzed electronic money transfers and disrupted local commerce. Civil society members also reported instances of physical abuse and the arrest of citizens attempting to use Starlink connections. They further alleged that some political-military authorities have been profiting by selling commercial Wi-Fi access via Starlink kits despite the official security-based shutdown.

Sammy Badibanga, the administrator of the Fizi territory, has called for calm and patience. He stated that the communication suspension is a necessary measure due to security imperatives in the region, which is currently under an operational security deployment. He urged citizens to cooperate with competent services while authorities monitor the situation.