The Senegalese government has temporarily suspended mobile internet services in response to protests triggered by President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone the presidential election. Communication Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam emphasized the need for action to curb the spread of “hateful and subversive messages” on social networks amid threats of public disorder.
President Sall announced the indefinite postponement of the presidential election, originally scheduled for February 25, just hours before the official start of campaigning. This marks the first time in Senegal’s history that a presidential election has been delayed. The decision arose from a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court over the rejection of candidates.
The Economic Community of West African States expressed concern about the election delay. Lawmakers are set to discuss a bill proposing to reschedule the presidential election for August 25, allowing President Sall to remain in office until the new leader is officially sworn in.
Protesters, rallied by opposition figures, gathered outside the parliament, chanting slogans against President Macky Sall, whom they referred to as a “dictator.” Security forces dispersed the demonstrators, with reports of arrests, including former Prime Minister and opposition candidate Aminata Touré, who announced her release on social media, urging others to mobilize in defense of democracy.
Opposition candidate Daouda Ndiaye claimed to have been attacked by the police and hospitalized. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the importance of holding the election on the initially scheduled date of February 25. The hashtag #FreeSenegal is trending on social media platforms.
