We, the undersigned organizations and members of the #KeepItOn coalition — a global network that unites over 220 organizations from 99 countries working to end internet shutdowns — urgently 1 appeal to you, President Alpha Condé, to ensure stable and open internet access and access to all other digital communication channels before, during, and after the presidential elections in the Republic of Guinea, scheduled for October 18, 2020, and beyond.

The internet plays a crucial role in enabling people to access information and remain informed about the election process...The #KeepItOn coalition recorded incidents of network disruptions on March 21 and 22, 2020 in Guinea during the referendum on constitutional reforms... There is a need for transparency and accountability during this important national event...There have been recent reports of election-related violence, and disturbing accounts of people dying as a result of excessive use of force by law enforcement agents during protests in Guinea, carried out with impunity...

Mr. President, research shows that internet shutdowns and violence go hand in hand...Internet shutdowns violate fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression and opinion, access to information, press freedom and freedom of assembly...shutdowns exacerbate any existing tensions in the society and increase the likelihood of protests, as well as concealing potential violence and human rights violations...Internet shutdowns violate provisions of the national constitution of Guinea as well as regional and international frameworks...

As a coalition that believes in the internet as an enabler of all other human rights, we call on you to undertake the necessary measures to ensure that the internet service providers and relevant actors maintain an open, accessible, and secure internet across Guinea throughout the elections and beyond. We respectfully request that you use the important position of your office to:

● Ensure that the internet, including social media and other digital communication platforms, remains open, accessible, and secure across the Republic of Guinea throughout the elections;

● Publicly assure the people of the Republic of Guinea that the internet and all social media platforms will remain available, and to notify the public of any disruptions;

● Order the various ISPs operating in the country to provide quality, secure, and freely open internet throughout the elections, to inform internet users of any disruptions, and to work around the clock to fix any identified disruptions likely to impact the quality of service they receive.