Senegal
The Senegalese government blocked access to social media and messaging apps such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and some Telegram servers starting on the evening of Thursday, March 4, and continuing until March 5th, 2021. The blocking of social media and messaging was implemented after one of the biggest series of protests in Senegal’s modern history. The protests were sparked by the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on charges of rape and public disruption.
Senegal shuts down TV stations and internet amidst protests. We are all on the edge and truly hoping this is not the beginning of the end. https://t.co/g5sd9theH2
— Aïda Ndiaye (@andiaye_) March 5, 2021
Internet access has been restricted in #Senegal following deadly clashes between security personnel and supporters of opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko.
Sonko was arrested on rape allegations, which he denies.
His supporters say the move is politically motivated. #senegalfree pic.twitter.com/QhGZYYWWyS
— African Index (@africanindex_) March 5, 2021
Insurrection populaire au #Sénégal. Accès Internet très perturbé, 2 chaînes télévision coupés, plusieurs morts… Le peuple en a vraiment marre. (crédit photo : Seydina Ousmane Boye) #FreeSenegal pic.twitter.com/YYOHnELJQX
— Jerome Duval (@JeromeDuval_) March 5, 2021
- Forbes: How youth in Senegal are using digital tools to safeguard a democracy under threat
- Reuters: Senegal restricts internet as protests escalate
- CNN: Senegal restricts internet as protests over rape allegation escalate
- La Tribune: Le Sénégal restreint l’accès à internet, les manifestations s’intensifient