In a controversial move, Senegal has taken action against social media app TikTok, suspending its access until further notice. The communications minister expressed concerns that TikTok has become a favoured platform for spreading hateful and subversive messages that threaten the country’s stability. This decision comes on the heels of restrictions on mobile internet usage amid opposition protests.
“The minister… informs the public that it has been observed that the TikTok application is the social network favoured by people with bad intentions to spread hateful and subversive messages threatening the stability of the country,” the minister’s statement said.
Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko faces charges of plotting an insurrection, criminal conspiracy, and other offences, mere months after deadly riots erupted following his trial on a separate rape charge. Sonko, 49, was sentenced to two years in prison for immoral behaviour towards individuals under 21, sparking protests that claimed at least 16 lives.
The prospect of Sonko’s conviction hindering his eligibility in the upcoming presidential election has infuriated his followers, while legal experts argue over the ambiguity of the matter. Detained after a scuffle with security forces outside his home, Sonko alleges unauthorized filming, and he remains in custody under state prosecutors’ watch.
During a charged press conference, Senegal’s state prosecutor, Abdou Karim Diop, played videos of Sonko’s purportedly inciteful speeches, announcing new charges of calling for insurrection, plotting against the state, and criminal conspiracy, among others. These recent accusations are unrelated to Sonko’s June conviction, and he has yet to enter a plea.
A similar incident occurred in Nigeria in June, when the government suspended Twitter access following the platform’s removal of a post from President Muhammadu Buhari, threatening secessionists. The indefinite suspension caused mass outrage, with the information minister citing the platform’s use for activities capable of undermining the country’s corporate existence.
Twitter justified its actions, citing its policy on abusive behavior, as Buhari vowed to punish pro-Biafra groups responsible for attacks on government agencies and security forces. However, after negotiations, Nigeria lifted the Twitter ban in January 2022, as the platform committed to establishing a local office and cooperating with the authorities.
The use of such restrictive policies by governments worldwide has drawn criticism, as many argue that it serves as a means to assert control. While this approach aims to maintain stability, it potentially impacts the livelihoods of numerous individuals who rely on these platforms for various purposes.
