Audio By Carbonatix
Senegal faced internet disruptions and authorities suspended two television stations as protests in the West African nation escalated following the arrest of its main opposition leader.
Metrics show that Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and some Telegram servers were restricted on Orange/Sonatel as of early morning Friday, U.K.-based NetBlocks, which tracks Internet disruptions globally, said in a statement. Some service had been restored by 7.30 a.m. GMT, it said.
A spokesman for Sonatel, the country’s biggest operator by subscriber, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Senegal is entering its third day of nationwide demonstrations sparked by the detention of Ousmane Sonko, one of the government’s loudest critics, for disturbing public order.
Authorities announced the charges after protests broke out while he was heading to court to answer a separate rape case. Sonko was accused of rape last month by a beauty salon employee and summoned to be arraigned in court after his parliamentary immunity was lifted last week.
Broadcasters Warned
The country’s National Audiovisual Regulatory Council suspended two television stations Thursday for 72 hours over their coverage of the protests, having warned broadcasters in a March 3 statement against airing content that could “threaten national stability or social cohesion.”
At least one person was killed at a protest where authorities shot live ammunition in the southern town of Bignona Thursday, Amnesty International said in a statement Friday, calling on authorities to investigate.
Sonko, 46, came third in the West African nation’s 2019 presidential election with 16% of the votes, after Former Prime Minister Idrissa Seck, who’s since joined the government. President Macky Sall, 59, who garnered 58% of the vote, will end his second and last constitutional term in office in 2024.
Latest Stories
-
Government reaffirms commitment to empower Ghanaian youth on International Youth Day
14 seconds -
I thought I knew how to manage people- until I entered the workplace
25 minutes -
Upper West Police bust armed robbery syndicate after MoMo attacks; 6 arrested
51 minutes -
BoG sells over $8bn through FX Programme as cedi faces fresh pressure
60 minutes -
Private citizen drags Chief Justice, Attorney General to Supreme Court over legal vacation
1 hour -
Accra Brewery may shut down operations over revised excise duty
1 hour -
Why I always play witch, wicked roles in Nollywood movies – Patience Ozokwor
1 hour -
It is worrying to say that vacation courts do not conduct trials – Young Lawyers Forum President
2 hours -
Global youth unemployment rises amid sluggish job creation and looming AI risk, UN labour agency says
2 hours -
Dangote refinery spurs West Africa fuel trading hub ambitions
2 hours -
New transmission from animals likely caused Congo-Uganda Ebola outbreak, study says
2 hours -
Legal vacation trials: Chief Justice has power to order specific cases heard – Young Lawyers Forum President
2 hours -
Oil rises as doubts over US-Iran deal heighten supply concerns
3 hours -
Nigeria police say 10 officers, 17 suspected bandits killed in clash in Kebbi state
3 hours -
Vacation courts can handle substantive matters – Young Lawyers Forum challenges GBA position
3 hours