Chad grapples with a substantial disruption to internet and telecom services following a fatal assault on its internal security agency, leading to a 20% drop in internet traffic since Wednesday. The country, under military rule for the past three years, faces heightened political tensions preceding a crucial presidential election scheduled for May and June, potentially signaling a return to constitutional rule. Amid the unrest, security forces accuse the main opposition party of attacking the National Security Agency, resulting in casualties, including the death of Chadian opposition politician Yaya Dillo.
Internet monitoring organizations like NetBlocks and IODA report the likely affected internet service providers, including SudaChad and Societe-Digital. Notably, Chad has a history of internet restrictions during political crises, with organizations documenting a cumulative 911 days of disruptions between the presidential elections of 2016 and 2021. Despite a temporary calm in the unrest, internet access remains restricted, reflecting a broader pattern of internet controls during crucial political moments in Chad.
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