Mobile internet access was restored in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, on Wednesday following a two-day shutdown, against the backdrop of the country’s worst political upheaval in decades.
The blocking of mobile data since Monday came in response to what the telecommunications ministry referred to as the propagation of “hateful and subversive messages” via social media.
Concurrently, lawmakers voted to postpone the upcoming presidential election until December 15, thus extending outgoing President Macky Sall’s tenure. The bill was passed almost unanimously, but only after some opposition members were removed from the chamber by security forces, inhibiting them from casting their votes.
The vote’s circumstances and outcome has led to widespread condemnation and concerns about potential street demonstrations in Dakar.
However, only sporadic instances of mobilization have occurred, which were quickly suppressed by security forces. The government’s decision to curtail mobile internet access is reminiscent of its actions last June when it limited mobile data amid rising tension in the country.
This tactic, often employed to hinder mobilization and communication through social networks, has been strongly criticized by human rights activists.
