According to a statement released by a communications minister in the country, the Senegalese government has limited access to internet services in the country from today, Monday, July 31 due to the widespread of “unpleasant messages” making their rounds on social media.
This restriction is coming after opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko was arrested and charged on Saturday, July 29 for masterminding an insurrection and criminal conspiracy and other crimes.
Meanwhile, Sonko’s followers have been frustrated by the likelihood that his conviction could hinder him from standing in 2024’s presidential election.
Telephone operators have been ordered to comply with the directive.
This is the second time the West African country has limited access to internet services in its country.
The last restriction had come in June 2023 after the country had been thrown into disarray following a protest spearheaded opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko.
Sonko had been sentenced to two years in prison, after the June protest, for “corrupting as well as inciting the youths” but the decision had not gone down well with his followers and had sparked vicious protests across the country, leading to the deaths of 15 persons.
At present, Sonko’s new charges are unrelated to his past charges of corrupting and inciting Senegal’s youth, according to a state prosecutor.
