In response to widespread protests sparked by President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone the presidential election, the Senegalese government has implemented a temporary shutdown of mobile internet services across the country.
According to reports, Communication Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam emphasized the need for decisive action to curb the spread of “hateful and subversive messages circulating on social media platforms amidst threats to public order.”
President Sall’s announcement on Saturday to indefinitely delay the presidential election, originally slated for February 25, came just hours before the scheduled commencement of official campaigning, marking the first instance of a Senegalese presidential election being postponed.
The decision to postpone the election stems from a disagreement between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court regarding the rejection of certain candidates.
Expressing concern over the delay, the Economic Community of West African States has urged for swift resolution.
Lawmakers are set to deliberate on a proposed bill today, suggesting the rescheduling of the presidential election for August 25, with provisions allowing President Sall to retain office until his successor is duly sworn in.
Outside the parliament on Monday, chants of “Macky Sall dictator” was heard from several dozen protesters, who were later dispersed by security forces. These protesters, believed to be led by opposition figures, have been vocal in their opposition to the election postponement.
Former Prime Minister and opposition candidate Aminata Touré, who was reportedly arrested during Sunday’s protests, took to social media to rally support for defending democracy and condemning the postponement of the election.
Meanwhile, another opposition candidate, Daouda Ndiaye, claimed to have been assaulted by police and shared his ordeal on social media, underscoring the urgency of holding the election on February 25.
The hashtag #FreeSenegal is currently trending on various social media platforms, reflecting the widespread concern and activism surrounding the situation.