Afghans rejoice when the Internet returns after eclipse of the Taliban

The Afghans took to the streets to enjoy the restoration of the Internet and telecommunications services after the Taliban government excluded them, provoking a broad condemnation.

Local reporters said communications resume in provinces, while Internet Monitor Netblocks said network data show a “partial recovery” of connectivity.

A source close to the government confirmed to Afghanistan to the BBC that the Internet was returning by order of the Prime Minister of the Taliban.

The 48-hour eclipse interrupted business and flights, limited access to emergency services and caused fears of further isolation of women and girls whose rights are highly eroded as the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

A man who visited a number of areas in the capital Kabul on Wednesday, told Afghanistan to the BBC: “Everyone is happy, holding their mobile phones and talking to their relatives.

“From women, men and talibes (a member of the Taliban), everyone was talking on phones after recovering services. There are more crowds in the city.”

Suhil Shahin, a senior spokesman for the Taliban in Qatar, said “all communications” were restored by Wednesday afternoon.

The government did not give an official explanation for the suspension.

However, last month a spokesman for the Taliban governor in the northern Balkh province said Internet access was blocked “to prevent vices.”

After the return of power, the Taliban imposed many restrictions in accordance with their interpretation of the Islamic Law of Sharia.

Afghan women have told the BBC that the internet is a rescue line to the outside world, as the Taliban has banned girls over the age of 12 to receive education.

Women’s work options were also very limited and in September books written by women were removed from universities.

Following the internet on Monday, the United Nations organization said it had left Afghanistan almost completely cut off from the outside world. He added that he was at risking “significant harm to the Afghan people, including through the threat of economic stability and exacerbating one of the world’s tallest humanitarian crises.”