The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius blocked access to social media on Friday, just days ahead of a general election, as tensions mounted over a wire-tapping scandal.
Mauritius has been gripped by scandal since secret recordings of phone calls by politicians, journalists, members of civil society and even foreign diplomats began being leaked online last month.
“Following the publication of certain audio tracks on social media, there is a real risk that the national security and integrity of our Republic and our international partners may have been compromised,” said the office of Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth in a statement on Friday.
It said internet service providers had been ordered to block access to the most widely used social networks, and that a crisis committee was meeting to discuss the situation.
The blockage is due to last until November 11 — a day after the election — according to telecoms operator EMTEL.
The leaked recordings were released by an account called Missie Moustass (Mr Moustache), primarily on TikTok.
There have been attempts to block the account but it quickly resurfaced elsewhere and has been releasing recordings almost daily.
Among the most shocking was that of the police commissioner apparently asking a forensic doctor to alter a report into a person who died after being beaten in police custody. A judicial investigation into the death was launched following the leak.
Private calls featuring British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre also appear to have been leaked.
The shock ban on social media was roundly condemned by the opposition, and poses a major challenge for local media and political parties which rely heavily on Facebook and other online outlets.
“It’s shocking, revolting, and unacceptable. It’s a sign of panic,” said Paul Berenger, one of the leaders of the opposition Alliance for Change coalition.
“We are dealing with people who are dangerous to the country. Lawyers are working on what can be done legally. We will move very quickly on the legal and political level,” he added.
Prime Minister Jugnauth is seeking re-election as head of the Militant Socialist Movement.
He inherited the premiership on the death of his father in 2017 and secured a victory for his coalition in polls two years later.
“This is the last desperate act of a regime in disarray,” said Nando Bodha, head of opposition grouping Linion Reform.
“It attacks head-on the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by the constitution, including freedom of expression,” he added, calling for an intervention by the Election Commission to ensure the polls are “free and fair”.
