Senegalese authorities announced the internet shutdown shortly after President Macky Sall postponed the presidential election indefinitely.
The internet shutdown was announced in a statement by Moussa Bokhar Thiam, Senegal’s Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Digital, on Sunday, a day after the postponed elections.
“Data mobile internet will be temporarily suspended from 10pm on Sunday, February 4, 2024,” Thiam said, adding that the reason for the suspension was “some hateful messages relayed on social networks. “This is due to the spread of destructive messages.” There is a risk of disturbing public order. ”
This follows Mr Sall’s decision to postpone elections scheduled for February 25, sparking widespread protests in the country.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed concern about the internet being cut off in Senegal amid postponed elections and called on the government to restore internet access.
“Internet shutdowns have made it difficult for journalists to report news in a timely manner, fact-check misinformation, and safely contact sources,” CPJ wrote on Monday X.
ECOWAS on Sunday called on the Senegalese authorities to urgently decide on a new date for the country’s postponed presidential elections.
