Senegal restores internet access to citizens 2 days after shutdown

After two days of shutdown, Senegal has restored mobile internet service access following temporary suspension amidst protests triggered by President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone elections.

The decision to suspend internet access came shortly after President Sall’s announcement of the election delay, which led to protests in Dakar, the capital city.

During a parliamentary session on Monday, February 05, 2024, lawmakers voted to postpone the elections to December, thereby extending President Sall’s tenure.

The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy cited the dissemination of "hateful and subversive messages" on social media as the reason for the internet shutdown, citing threats to public order.

However, this move has drawn criticism from foreign nations and human rights activists.

The United States, through a statement by Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the Department of State, expressed deep concern over Senegal's decision to delay the presidential election, stating that it goes against the country's democratic principles.

The US urged the Senegalese government to restore full internet access immediately and ensure the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, including for members of the press.

On Wednesday, February 07, Netblocks, an internet monitoring company, confirmed the restoration of internet services in Senegal, although uncertainty remains regarding the sustainability of this decision.