In Senegal, the Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy announced the temporary suspension of mobile data internet in Dakar starting from July 31, 2023, in response to the dissemination of hate speech and subversive messages on social media.
On Monday, July 31, 2023, the Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy issued a statement announcing the temporary suspension of mobile data internet in Dakar. This drastic measure was taken due to the spread of hate speech and subversive messages on social media, fueling a climate of political tension and creating threats to public order.
The decision to suspend mobile internet aims to prevent potential violent incidents and contain the spread of inflammatory rhetoric that could worsen the already fragile situation. The authorities emphasized that this measure is temporary and aims to protect the security and stability of the country.
This context of political tension is also marked by the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, a key figure in the opposition, who recently began a hunger strike to protest his incarceration. Sonko’s arrest has sparked passionate reactions and protests in certain parts of the country, adding to concerns about security and public order.
The temporary suspension of mobile internet in Dakar reflects the challenges the country faces in combating misinformation and the abusive use of social media. While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, authorities must also ensure that this freedom is not misused to incite violence or division.
In this delicate context, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve political disputes and find peaceful solutions to existing tensions. The stability of the country and the well-being of its citizens depend on everyone’s willingness to work together to overcome these challenges and build a more peaceful future for Senegal.
