We, AfricTivistes, a pro-democracy organisation promoting the responsible use of digital technologies for effective citizen participation, strongly denounce the restrictions imposed by the Senegalese government on the use of social networks, in a context of widespread protests following the conviction of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko.

According to network data collected in real time and an official announcement by the Minister of the Interior, the Senegalese government has restricted access to Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok, Telegram and other social media platforms since 1 June 2023. In addition, the private television channel Walfadjiri has been banned from broadcasting.

These measures come amid nationwide protests sparked by the sentencing of Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Patriotes du Sénégal pour l’Éthique, le Travail et la Fraternité (PASTEF) party and a leading opposition figure, to two (2) years in prison for “corrupting youth”. The verdict condemning Mr Sonko, the main opponent in the 2024 presidential election, is seen by some Senegalese as an attempt to oust him politically, prompting large-scale protests, especially by young people. The demonstrations, some of which have been violent, have so far resulted in more than thirty deaths since the prosecution of Mr Sonko began in March 2021, according to official figures.

Censorship of any kind in the cyberspace violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, which was drawn up in accordance with Article 45 (1) of the ACHPR. They also violate Senegal’s commitments under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to guarantee its citizens’ right of access to information.

The censorships are a serious attack on freedom of expression and democracy. They also aim to restrict freedom of expression, access to information and the right to peaceful assembly and to engage in income-generating activities, among other rights guaranteed by national, regional and international institutions.

In many African countries, the Internet is frequently blocked during elections or demonstrations. It is a shame to see Senegal, whose democratic tradition is recognised throughout the world, join this list of censoring countries.

We would point out that censorship and Internet blackouts disrupt the free flow of information and economic activities that depend heavily on the Internet, and prevent people from using their right to freedom of expression.

In many African countries, the Internet is frequently blocked during elections or demonstrations. It is a shame to see Senegal, whose democratic tradition is recognised throughout the world, join this list of censoring countries.

We recall that censorship and Internet blackouts disrupt the free flow of information and economic activities that depend heavily on the Internet, and prevent people from exercising their right of access to a universal service.

We condemn all forms of Internet censorship and disruption, particularly those that have a disproportionate impact on fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of assembly.

We encourage the government of Senegal to respect the rights of its citizens as well as its regional and international commitments.

We call on the government of Senegal to end this censorship and to refrain from using internet restriction measures to control dissenting voices and legitimate protests.

Lastly, AfricTivistes is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence and censorship of social networks in Senegal. Such actions raise major questions about freedom of expression and demonstration, the right to information and access to cyberspace, and the state of Senegal’s democracy.