West African Coastal Nations Grapple with Undersea Cable Disruptions

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

Multiple West African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, are contending with severe disruptions in data and telecommunication services following a series of undersea cable cuts along the region’s coastline. The West African Cable System (WACS) and African Coast to Europe (ACE) have been notably impacted, alongside SAT3 and MainOne. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed that the incidents originated near Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal, with repercussions extending to Portugal.

The NCC further highlighted that additional undersea cables connecting Europe to the East Coast of Africa, including Seacom, Europe India Gateway (EIG), and Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE1), have been compromised around the Red Sea, exacerbating service disruptions along those routes.

Reuben Muoka, Director of Press at the NCC, emphasized that internet access and speed have suffered notable setbacks across affected countries. However, operators have commenced repair operations, and services are gradually being reinstated. Assurances have been given by cable operators to expedite restoration efforts and minimize downtime.