Senegal halted mobile data internet on Tuesday to prevent the propagation of hate messages on social media, which had sparked violent protests in the West African country, according to an official.
Communications Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam described the action as provisional, blaming hostile messages for recent protests throughout the country following the announcement of the presidential election’s postponement.
Senegal’s outgoing President Macky Sall, with the approval of parliament, postponed the election, which was originally set for February 25, to December 15. This decision sparked widespread criticism, and many Senegalese took to the streets last week to express their dissatisfaction.
Human Rights Watch researcher Ilaria Allegrozzi criticised the measure, saying on X that “authorities should restore the internet, allowing the free flow of information and the ability of people to express their points of view.”