Senegal suspends internet access ahead of planned protest
Senegal’s Communications Ministry told mobile operators to suspend internet access on Tuesday, ahead of a planned silent march by activist groups, which was banned by authorities, over the abruptpostponementof a presidential election.
The announcement just weeks ahead of the planned February25 vote that it would be postponed, triggered violent clashes last week that resulted in the death ofthree young peopleand multiple arrests.
Parliament has voted to hold the election on December 15.
Read:Senegal postpones presidential election
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 demonstration will hold a press conference later on Tuesday to announce next steps, spokesman Amadou Samb told Reuters.
The vote’s postponement dismayed many in Senegal, one of West Africa’s more stable 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 gearon Fridayfired tear gas, stun grenades and what appeared to be rubber bullets at protesters who were burning tyres and throwing stones, a Reuters reporter said.
Amnesty International and the UN human rights office called on the Senegalese government to investigate the killings and police brutality against protesters.
Read:Senegal faces widespread unrest over vote delay
At least 266 people have been arrested across the country, including journalists, spokesperson for the UNHigh Commissioner for Human Rights Liz Throssell said.
West Africa’s regional bloc Ecowas on Monday sent a parliamentarydiplomatic missionto Senegal to discuss the political situation in the country.
