President Macky Sall of Senegal.Image – Reuters
Senegal’s communications ministry on Tuesday instructed mobile phone companies to suspend internet access ahead of a silent march planned by activist groups. The march, which was banned by authorities, was aimed at protesting the sudden postponement of presidential elections.
The postponement, announced weeks before the scheduled February 25 vote, sparked violent clashes last week that left three young people dead and several arrested.
Following the delay, Congress voted to reschedule the election to December 15th. However, the decision has raised concerns among opposition politicians, who see it as a departure from Senegal’s democratic norms and an extension of President Macky Sall’s mandate.
It is unclear whether the march will take place after authorities banned it on Monday, citing logistical concerns. Civil society and religious groups that called for the demonstrations will hold a press conference later on Tuesday to announce next steps, spokesman Amadou Sambu told Reuters.
In Senegal, one of the relatively stable democracies in West Africa, democracy has been forced into retreat in many countries in recent years due to military takeovers and constitutional maneuvering, and the postponement of voting has left many people disappointed. It was discouraging.
In a statement, the ministry blamed the deaths and property damage caused by recent protests on hateful online messages.
In the capital Dakar on Friday, police in riot gear fired tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets at demonstrators who were burning tires and throwing stones, Reuters reported. Fired something.
Amnesty International and the United Nations Human Rights Office called on the Senegalese government to investigate the killings and police brutality of protesters.
At least 266 people, including journalists, were arrested across the United States, said Liz Trossel, spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS sent a parliamentary diplomatic mission to Senegal on Monday to discuss the country’s political situation.
Information provided by Reuters.
Join our Whatsapp channel for the latest global news updates
Published date: February 13, 2024 19:24:19 IST
