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Political arrests, media restrictions a worry in lead up to Senegal elections

In six months' time voters in Senegal will head to the polls to choose their next president. But observers say that government-imposed restrictions on social media, journalists and opposition parties are a sign that one of the strongest democracies in West Africa is in trouble.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 9, 2023

Internet shutdowns: here’s how governments do it

Senegal’s government has shut down internet access in response to protests about the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. This is a tactic governments are increasingly used during times of political contention, such as elections or social upheaval. The shutdowns can be partial or total, temporary or prolonged. They may…

The Conversation · Aug 8, 2023

ECOWAS to hold another meeting on Thursday as Niger junta show no sign of backing down

Pressure mounts on Niger's military junta to re-install the democratic government. The US says there is still time for a diplomatic exit to the crisis, as ECOWAS threatens military intervention to restore President Bazoum to power. Meanwhile, France slashes millions in aid to Burkina Faso in response to its support…

France 24 · Aug 7, 2023

Senegal suspends TikTok amid clampdown on dissent

Senegalese authorities block access to social media app TikTok amid unrest, days after dissolving opposition party.

Al Jazeera · Aug 2, 2023

European nationals evacuated from coup-hit Niger

In tonight's edition: As the first few hundred French and European nationals are evacuated from coup-hit Niger, the military governments of Mali and Burkina Faso say any foreign armed intervention in Niamey will be treated as a declaration of war against them all. Also, two protesters are killed in demonstrations…

France 24 · Aug 1, 2023

Senegal opposition leader charged with fomenting insurrection, his party dissolved

Ousmane Sonko, President Macky Sall's fiercest critic, was on Monday charged with fomenting insurrection and his party dissolved, prompting clashes between protesters and police in which two people were reportedly killed.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 1, 2023

Senegal: Police and Ousmane Sonko supporters clash in Dakar as Sonko is jailed

In tonight's edition: Just days after being arrested at home, Senegal's opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has been charged with fomenting insurrection and had his party dissolved. Also, France has denied accusations from Niger's military junta that it wants to intervene militarily to reinstate the president deposed in a coup last…

France 24 · Jul 31, 2023

Senegal dissolves opposition party, restricts internet ahead of next year's presidential election

Senegal’s government has dissolved a major opposition party and restricted internet service hours after the party’s popular president and opposition leader said a judge ordered his arrest

The Independent UK · Jul 31, 2023

Senegal restricts internet as opposition leader formally charged

Internet services are being suspended as Ousmane Sonko is formally charged with fomenting insurrection.

Al Jazeera · Jul 31, 2023

Senegalese opponent Sonko formally charged and detained, says his lawyer

Senegalese opposition figure Ousmane Sonko on Monday was charged with fomenting insurrection, three days after being arrested at his home, one of his lawyers told reporters. Sonko said Sunday he is now on hunger strike after being arrested this week.

France 24 · Jul 31, 2023