Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter blocked in Senegal

The government has said that in order to limit “the dissemination of hateful and subversive messages,” it has imposed access restrictions on social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter.

Abdou Karim Fofana, a government spokesman, stated on Friday that “acts of vandalism and banditry” rather than “political demands” were what were causing the violence.

We will get through these challenging moments for the Senegalese country, he assured TFM.

The sudden censorship of social media in Senegal has raised many questions and concerns about the right to freedom of speech and how people are affected in a world where social media is an indispensable part of life. The government of Senegal has banned Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and other sites in the country, claiming that it is necessary for national security.

Social media has had a significant impact in Senegal, just as in many parts of the world. With the highest number of young people, aged 25 years or younger, social media has been a tool for communication, especially with the widespread use of Facebook and WhatsApp. With the ban in place, it disrupts the daily routines of Senegal citizens, blocking their main channels of communication.

Senegal is a West-African country with a population of about 17 million people. Social media penetration in the country is high, with about 20% of the population actively using Facebook, WhatsApp, or Twitter, according to statistics compiled by Wearesocial. With the high use of social media, online communication has been a source of commerce, education, and news.

This isn’t the first time internet services have been disrupted in Senegal. The country has a history of internet shutdowns, which have disrupted online activities across the country. In 2020, the government banned the internet during protests, causing an uproar in the international community. The ban led to hefty economic losses for citizens who rely on the internet to run their businesses. Senegal’s Telecommunications Authority prohibits any internet interruption services, yet the government still pushes for censorship.

The ban on social media in Senegal has led to serious consequences, including an outcry from citizens and disruptions to businesses. Many citizens rely on social media for their daily activities, such as running their businesses or staying in contact with family and friends. With the ban, small-scale businesses in Senegal are most affected as they rely on social media platforms to reach out to customers and transact their businesses.

However, Senegal citizens have been quick to adapt and find alternatives to communicate. Telegram is one of the alternatives used by many during the ban. The Telegram messenger app allows Senegal citizens access to encrypted messages, voice calls, and video calls, making it a feasible platform for people to socialize.

The global response to this situation has been mixed. The international media has criticized the ban, and many people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation online. There is fear that the internet blockade could significantly impact Senegal’s tourism, leading to a decrease in the number of visitors to the country if the block continues.

In conclusion, the social media ban in Senegal goes against the principles of freedom of expression and questions whether it is necessary to carry out such an extreme measure. While the government may argue that this is for national security purposes, its effects are widely felt by the small-scale businesses and everyday citizens who rely on social media for their livelihoods. As events unfold, we can only hope that the ban is temporary and that normalcy resumes for the Senegal population.