Social Media Banned In Senegal As Protests Continue Over Election Postponement

The Senegalese government has banned internet services in the West African country citing fears of incitements on social media amidst protests over President Macky Sall’s postponement of the presidential election.

Citizens were set to elect a new government by February 25, 2024, but President Sall pushed for a bill which has extended the election date to ten months from the initially scheduled date.

President Sall reiterated his decision not to contest in the election but citizens were not pleased with the postponement and trooped to the streets in protest.

Related: Protests Rock Senegal As President Sall Postpones Election

The international community is alarmed by the decision of the government to shutdown internet services in the country for the second time in February.

Spokeswoman of the United Nations rights office Liz Throssell, expressed deep concern about the situation in Senegal especially reports that the government is exploring the use of force against protesters and placing restrictions on civil spaces.

Additionally, the government banned a planned peaceful rally by the Aar Sunu Elective and stated that its decision was based on concerns relating to traffic disruption.

In a West African region that has been plagued with military coups, Senegal has stood out as an example with no coup history, but the country’s democracy is threatened due to President Sall’s decision to postpone election for the first time in the country’s history.

Some critics say a continued tensions might force the military to emulate Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger who are all under military rule in the region.