Afghanistan (MNN) — In Afghanistan, many are still reeling from the Taliban’s recent, two-day internet shutdown, which has been followed up by social media restrictions. Nehemiah with FMI says the Taliban’s clampdown mirrors the group’s handling of more critical resources.
“This is another story: how brutal Taliban is in Afghanistan and how they are limiting access to human’s basic needs in Afghanistan.”
Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghan citizens have battled a challenging political and economic landscape, marked by limited or restricted access to rights, education, and even food and water.
The Taliban cited concerns over pornography access as the reason behind the most recent internet blackout.
“However, many observers believe the move is less about morality and more about information control and isolation,” Nehemiah says.
In Afghanistan’s most rural areas, some villages are regularly without internet or mobile network access. Between existing access challenges and imposed shutdowns, Nehemiah says universal connectivity across the nation remains elusive. 
“Even though the media is claiming that the internet has been restored in Afghanistan, still there are many cities with no internet,” he says.
He points out that pastors and underground leaders rely on digital communication.
“Messaging apps, online trainings, coordination with overseas partners: this blackout tries to smear these lifelines.”
But shackled internet cannot thwart the purposes of the Lord. Nehemiah says blackouts are an opportunity for people to ramp up use of solar-powered audio players distributed by FMI and Keys for Kids. Each device contains pre-downloaded Scripture and devotional content, which means sunshine, rather than wifi, is its fuel.
“This device does not require any internet. It is built-in devotional tools in their own language,” Nehemiah says.
He reminds us that the church is not called to wallow in darkness but to stand forth in light.
Please pray for the people of Afghanistan. Pray that they will hear, believe, and trust in the Word of the Lord, and pray that any ongoing or forthcoming Taliban restrictions will be an opportunity to seek Him more heartily.
For any areas still affected by the shutdown, please pray for restoration of access, and continue to ask for the Lord’s favor and protection as FMI and partners distribute resources.
Nehemiah reminds us that one kind of connection is sure:
“Spiritual communication – prayer, scripture, fellowship – that does not require any signals and wires,” he says.
All images used in this article by courtesy of Pixabay
