Why Has Senegal Shutdown Its Internet?

In recent developments, Senegal temporarily suspended mobile internet services, escalating tensions in a nation often hailed as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. The decision to shutdown internet services came in the wake of President Macky Sall’s announcement to postpone the Presidential elections originally scheduled for February 25, a move that has since ignited widespread protests and unrest.

This latest internet suspension marks the third occurrence in the past nine months, raising significant concerns over the state of democracy and freedom of expression in the country. 

The reasons behind the shutdown

The Senegalese government attributed the internet shutdown to “the dissemination of several hateful and subversive messages relayed on social networks,” a rationale that mirrors the justifications provided for previous shutdowns. 

This action was taken shortly after protests erupted following the President’s announcement to delay the Presidential elections by six months. The government’s consistent approach to silencing dissent through internet blackouts has sparked a debate on the balance between national security and the preservation of democratic freedoms.

The impact of the internet shutdown

The implications of the internet shutdown in Senegal are profound and far-reaching. Tidjane Deme, General Partner at Partech, emphasized how mobile internet is intricately woven into the fabric of daily life, affecting everything from digital payments to healthcare and business operations. 

The shutdown not only disrupts economic activities but also impedes the flow of information, affecting the rights of citizens to stay informed and express themselves freely.

Economic and social consequences

The economic toll of the internet shutdown is staggering, with estimates suggesting that Senegal lost approximately $300,000 per hour during the June blackout. Moreover, a report by Top1vpn highlighted that sub-Saharan African countries suffered losses amounting to $1.74 billion due to government-induced internet shutdowns in 2023. 

The frequency of these shutdowns in Africa, often justified by governments as measures to maintain order, underscores a troubling trend towards digital authoritarianism.

Political uncertainty and opposition crackdown

The political landscape in Senegal has been increasingly volatile since the arrest of Ousmane Sonko, a popular opposition leader, in June 2023. The subsequent arrests of other opposition figures and the violent suppression of protests have raised alarms over the erosion of political freedoms. 

The government’s heavy-handed response, including restricting internet access and arresting individuals for selling Starlink terminals without authorization, signals a broader crackdown on dissent and opposition.

Local activists call for freedom and open Internet

In response to the shutdown, international organizations and local activists have called on the Senegalese government to uphold the freedom of the press and the rights of citizens to access information. 

Amnesty International’s Senegal chapter has particularly criticized the government’s actions, urging respect for fundamental freedoms. The need for open and unrestricted internet access is crucial for the sustenance of democracy and the protection of human rights in Senegal.

Conclusion

The decision to shutdown internet services in Senegal has cast a spotlight on the delicate balance between national security and the protection of democratic values. While the government cites the spread of hateful and subversive messages as the rationale for its actions, the repeated use of internet blackouts as a tool to suppress dissent raises critical questions about the state of democracy and freedom in the country.

As Senegal grapples with political unrest and the fallout from the postponed Presidential elections, the call for a return to open, accessible internet has never been more urgent. The international community, along with local activists, continues to advocate for the restoration of internet services, emphasizing the essential role of digital connectivity in modern society.