By Riches Soberekon
Senegal’s Government has suspended the TikTok app until further notice, citing the spread of “hateful and subversive” messages following protests against the imprisonment of opposition figure Ousmane Sonko.
The government said that TikTok had been used to spread messages that “threaten the stability of the country.”
The suspension of TikTok comes after the government cut off internet access on cell phones on Monday for the same reasons.
Sonko was arrested on Monday on charges of rape and inciting violence. His detention sparked protests in which three people were killed.
Amnesty International has condemned the restrictions on the Internet as “an attack on freedom of information.”
Sonko is a leading opposition figure and a declared candidate in the 2024 presidential elections. He is facing three separate trials, and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
In recent months, the government has also arrested dozens of opposition activists and journalists.
The government’s actions have been criticized by human rights groups, who say that they are aimed at silencing dissent and suppressing free speech.
It remains to be seen how long the suspension of TikTok will last. However, the move is a clear sign that the Senegalese government is determined to silence dissent and control the flow of information
