A nationwide internet blackout in Afghanistan has now entered its third day, exacerbating feelings of fear and uncertainty among millions of Afghans who are grappling with isolation under the Taliban-led government that has been in power for four years.
Since the shutdown began on Monday evening, ordinary citizens have struggled to communicate with each other and with the outside world, according to reports from various internet monitoring organizations, including NetBlocks. This disruption has severely impacted banking services, left planes grounded, and hindered the ability of United Nations agencies—the final vestiges of international presence in the country—to distribute aid effectively.
The Taliban government has not provided any explanation for the blackout. However, a diplomatic official, who requested anonymity, stated that it is widely believed that Sheikh Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader, ordered the shutdown to minimize the spread of perceived “vices.” Both this official and a Foreign Ministry representative indicated that the blackout may persist “until further notice.”
Since reclaiming power after the collapse of the U.S.-supported government, the Taliban regime has intensified Afghanistan’s isolation, enacting bans on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade and imposing sweeping restrictions on personal freedoms and communication based on their interpretation of religious mandates. This ongoing blackout reflects the broader trend of increasing restrictions on civil liberties and a stifling of communication in the nation.
Despite the challenges, resilience remains strong among the Afghan people, who continue to seek ways to connect and support each other in these trying times. The hope for a more open and communicative future persists, even as the present situation remains grim.