“ Hello. An incident was noted on our international trips impacting several of our services. Investigations are underway. Orange apologizes.’’
This is the message that Orange Guinea subscribers received yesterday afternoon from their operator, according to several Internet users. An explanation for the loss of the mobile connection that does not convince everyone.
The incident in question came as Alpha Condé saw the early election results favor him. The sitting president is accused of ordering the shutdown, not only of the Internet, but also of international calls. Suspicions of fraud loom over the web and outrage and concern are palpable.
“Confirmed: Nation-scale internet disruption registered in #Guinea ahead of presidential election results; real-time network data show connectivity on leading operator Orange at just 9% of ordinary levels; incident ongoing #GuineeVote#Guinée,” NetBlocks, a leading internet observatory group tweeted.
Guinea Internet election Guinea Internet election
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Several media such as Africaguinee.com report post-electoral violence with tragic consequences. Sadly, the worst fears over the announcement of Alpha Condé’s candidacy for a third term have become reality. The economy of the country and the subregion could pay a heavy price if things do not get back to normal as soon as possible.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer