Internet Disruptions Observed in Burkina Faso Amid Coup Plot Arrests

Network data from NetBlocks and third-party traffic data confirm significant disruptions to internet service in Burkina Faso from the afternoon of Monday 10 January 2022. The incident comes as authorities are reported to have made arrests related to an alleged coup plot.

NetBlocks metrics also corroborate user reports of service issues on provider Orange (AS37577) in effect from Tuesday 11 January 2022 and ongoing as of 20 January 2022, indicating the restriction of Facebook and some WhatsApp servers.

Google Transparency metrics indicate that traffic was significantly disrupted at national scale for some 15 hours from Monday afternoon until around 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

The social media and messaging app restrictions can be worked around with the use of circumvention software or VPNs.

What’s happening in Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso has faced growing security challenges in recent years, leading to discontent among the public and in the ranks of the military. For several months, authorities have feared that officers may attempt a coup.

A lieutenant colonel and others were arrested on January 10 in relation to an alleged coup plot. Protesters called for the president to take action or resign earlier in the week. The present internet disruptions are understood to be related to these events.