Senegal to cut internet ahead of protest
Senegal’s communications ministry told mobile operators to suspend internet access on Tuesday, before a planned silent march by activist groups, which was banned by authorities, over the abrupt postponement of a presidential election.
The announcement just weeks before the planned February 25 vote that it would be postponed, triggered violent clashes last week that resulted in the death of three young people and multiple arrests.
Parliament has voted to hold the election on December 15.
The delay spurred opposition members’ concerns as it extended President Macky Sall’s mandate in an unprecedented break with Senegal’s democratic tradition.
It was unclear whether the march would take place after authorities on Monday banned it, citing logistical concerns. The civil society and religious groups that called the protest were to hold a press conference yesterday to announce next steps, spokesperson Amadou Samb said.
The vote’s postponement of dismayed West Africa many’ s in more Senegal, stable one democracies, in a region where military takeovers and constitutional manoeuvring have forced democracy into retreat in many countries in recent years.
In a statement, the ministry blamed hateful online messages for the deaths and material damage incurred during the recent demonstrations.
In the capital, Dakar, police in riot gear on Friday fired teargas, stun grenades and what appeared to be rubber bullets at protesters who were burning tyres and throwing stones.
Amnesty International and the UN human rights office called on the government to probe the killings and police brutality against protesters.
At least 266 people have been arrested across the country, including journalists, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Liz Throssell said.
West Africa’s regional bloc Ecowas on Monday sent a parliamentary diplomatic mission to Senegal to discuss the political situation in the country.