President Biya orders internet to be reinstated in Southern Cameroons

After 94 days of internet blackout, internet to be restored today in English-Speaking according to official sources.

A press release on state media announced that the head of state has ordered for Internet to be restored in anglophone regions of Cameroon.

Cameroon's economy has lost nearly 3 million euros ($3.1 million) as a result of the internet blackout according to French NGO, Internet sans Frontieres (Internet without Borders). The organization said since 2015, there has been a rise in the use of internet blackouts as a means of stifling opposition by French-speaking African governments.

In January, four internet providers in Cameroon including France's Orange and South Africa's MTN told their subscribers that internet connectivity was no longer available due to "reasons outside of (our) control".

In January, protests in the English-speaking regions brought several cities to a standstill. Biya's regime responded to the demonstrations by deploying security forces, arresting some opposition leaders and shutting down the internet. Some of the protesters accused of being behind the social unrest are facing trial at a military court.

There have been reactions on the social media to this breaking news:

"...Internet restoration is not an achievement. It was/is a violation of our fundamental human rights. Mr. Biya must be condemned. Restoration of our statehood will be an achievement. All Southern Cameroonians should be ready to throw bullets to any elites or whosoever who dares to praise Biya for restoring the internet. The struggle continues...

Mark Bareta, April 20th, 2017

Great news for Anglophone regions of #Cameroon, but the need remains to continue highlighting wider abuses taking place in the country. https://t.co/iLSlTHx6XK

— Jeffrey Smith (@Smith_JeffreyT) April 20, 2017

#Cameroon's president has ordered Tcoms Minister to restore Internet to the two English-speaking regions after nearly 100 days suspension https://t.co/YpmrBuHV7H

— Bate Felix Tabi Tabe (@BateFelix) April 20, 2017

Hearing that internet restored in Cameroon after 94 days of shutdown and millions lost. #BringBackOurInternet #KeepitOn HT @lawyerpants

— Deji Olukotun (@dejiridoo) April 20, 2017