Authorities in Senegal's capital, Dakar, have implemented a temporary block on internet access from mobile devices following a series of opposition protests. This information was relayed by Reuters, referencing a statement from Senegal's Ministry of Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy.
The ministry explained, "Mobile internet access to social networks was temporarily restricted on the evening of February 4 due to the presence of hate speech calls."
In response to the opposition's call for a demonstration on February 4, demanding the immediate holding of presidential elections as originally planned, the authorities enforced mass arrests. Security forces employed special tactics to disperse the protesters.
As of Monday, February 5, mobile internet access remained blocked in Dakar. Parliamentary deliberations on a bill to delay presidential elections by six months are scheduled for that day. An opposition gathering outside the parliament building was also broken up by security personnel.
Elections delay
On February 3, President of Senegal Macky Sall addressed the nation on television, announcing the postponement of the presidential elections due to "uncertainties surrounding the candidates." The elections, initially slated for February 25, were put on hold without a new date being provided. The opposition has accused Sall of orchestrating a "constitutional coup."
The Constitutional Council of Senegal had previously approved 20 candidates for the presidential race, but several of these nominations have been contested, raising questions about the electoral process's integrity. Suspicions of bribery within the council have also been voiced, leading to a parliamentary inquiry into the allegations.
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Based on materials from TASS