On the evening of Wednesday to Thursday, June 1, social networks were blocked throughout Senegal, thus cutting off conversations between Internet users, according to the findings of Social Net Link.
Users experienced great difficulty logging into Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube around 10 p.m. This blockage was confirmed by netblockswhich indicates that the restriction has affected all telephone operators in the country.
Faced with this restriction, many Internet users have been forced to download virtual private networks (VPN) to circumvent the measures in place. On social networks, users did not hesitate to condemn this act of the Senegalese government, expressing their dissatisfaction and their concern about the limitation of their freedom of expression and connection online.
It should be noted that Senegal is generally considered a democratic country where freedom of expression and connection is respected. Consequently, this restriction comes in a context of heightened tensions, following the conviction of Ousmane Sonko, the main opponent of Macky Sall, the current president.
This decision to block social networks is a first in Senegal, thus sparking a lively debate among the population and raising concerns about the respect of digital rights in the country. Internet users wonder about the reasons behind such a measure and its impact on freedom of expression and access to information.
While social networks play a crucial role in the dissemination of information and in public debate, their blocking raises concerns about the transparency and democratic openness of the Senegalese government.
It remains to be seen if this restriction of social networks in Senegal will be temporary or if it will mark a turning point in the digital policy of the country. The next few days will be crucial in determining the extent of this measure and its consequences for the online lives of Senegalese and the media landscape as a whole.
https://publish.twitter.com/?url=https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/1664378709573263360
