Internet services in Cameroon's English-speaking regions have been turned back on three months after they were cut off following protests.

People were delighted when online access was restored in both regions on Thursday at around 19:00 GMT, a BBC correspondent in Bamenda reports.

Before the ban, authorities had warned mobile phone users they faced jail for spreading false information.

Communications and the economy were badly affected by the shutdown.

Anglophone Cameroonians make up about 20% of the country's 23 million people. The other regions of the country are predominately French-speaking.

Excited groups gathered in the city centre to share the news with each other on Thursday night, as passing cars honked their horns in celebration.

Students, those working in the financial sector, and businesses who sell products online say they suffered hugely during the ban.

Cyber-cafes which were forced to close are now reopening.

But others are still angry and say the release of three leaders of the Anglophone protests and 30 others who are still detained should be the priority.

 

 

BBC