In response to the recent outbreak of violent protests and civil unrest, Senegalese authorities have taken the decision to suspend the TikTok application until “further notice”.

The move comes as a measure to counter the dissemination of what they label as “hateful and subversive” messages that have been circulating on the social media platform.

The protests were triggered by the imprisonment of prominent opposition figure, Ousmane Sonko, who faces various charges, including incitement to insurrection.

The situation escalated on Monday when Mr. Sonko’s detention prompted mass demonstrations across the country.

Tragically, three individuals were killed in the southern region of Senegal and in the suburbs of the capital, Dakar, as the protests took a violent turn. On Tuesday, two more fatalities occurred in Dakar when a bus was attacked with an incendiary device.

As of now, no direct link has been established between this attack and the ongoing demonstrations against Mr. Sonko’s imprisonment.

In light of these events, Senegal’s Minister of Communication and the Digital Economy, Moussa Bocar Thiam, stated that the TikTok application has been identified as the preferred platform for individuals with ill-intentions to spread messages that threaten the country’s stability.

The suspension of TikTok, coupled with a previous shutdown of internet access on cell phones on Monday, has raised concerns about freedom of information and expression.

Human rights organization, Amnesty International, condemned the restrictions on internet access, calling it an “attack on freedom of information” and urging the authorities to restore internet services.

This is not the first legal issue for Mr. Sonko, who is a declared candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.

He had previously received a two-year prison sentence on June 1 in a separate case, which triggered widespread unrest, leading to the deaths of sixteen people according to the government’s official figures, while the opposition claims the toll to be closer to thirty.

Legal experts warn that Mr. Sonko’s involvement in the recent protests and civil unrest could result in a sentence of five to twenty years in prison, adding to his already complex legal situation.

The suspension of TikTok raises concerns over internet freedom in Senegal, with both domestic and international stakeholders closely monitoring the situation as events continue to unfold.

As the country strives to address these challenges, all eyes remain on its efforts to restore stability and ensure the protection of fundamental human rights.

Tragedy struck Senegal’s capital, Dakar, as authorities discovered at least 17 lifeless bodies washed ashore after a harrowing boat capsizing incident on Monday.

The boat, known as a pirogue, carried an unknown number of passengers, but miraculously, two individuals were rescued alive from the treacherous waters.

Local officials, grappling with the somber situation, believe that the victims were migrants. The boat’s design and circumstances point to this tragic conclusion, according to Ndeye Top Gueye, the Mayor of the Ouakam neighborhood where the bodies were found.

The incident marks the first time such a distressing event has unfolded in the area, highlighting the growing concern over migrant deaths at sea in Senegal.

As of now, vital information such as the origin of the ill-fated voyage, the nationalities of the deceased, and their intended destination remains shrouded in mystery.

The uncertainty surrounding the incident has intensified the grief and concern among locals and authorities alike.

Senegal is situated on the Atlantic migration route, notorious for being one of the deadliest in the world.

The perilous journey has already claimed the lives of nearly 800 people or left them missing during the first half of 2023, as reported by the Spanish aid group Walking Borders.

This grim statistic underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive measures to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.

Beyond the shores of Dakar, search operations are underway in Spain for missing migrant boats carrying over 300 people from Senegal, as revealed by the NGO Caminando Fronteras.

The continuous stream of desperate migrants risking their lives in search of better opportunities highlights the pressing need for international cooperation and humanitarian efforts to address the root causes of migration and provide safer alternatives for those seeking refuge.

As the sun sets on Dakar, grief-stricken families and communities mourn the loss of their loved ones, and nations grapple with the harsh realities of irregular migration.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of desperation and the urgent need for concerted efforts to prevent further loss of life on the perilous Atlantic migration route.

Senegalese prosecutors announced on Friday that they have filed an international arrest warrant against Juan Branco, the French lawyer representing Senegal’s main opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko.

The warrant was issued in connection with alleged “crimes and offences” linked to the unrest that shook Senegal in June of last year.

Amid the legal scrutiny, Ousmane Sonko expressed his unwavering support for his legal counsel. In a video address to his supporters, the 49-year-old politician took a moment to commend Branco’s invaluable contributions to his case.

“Allow me to digress for a moment, I would like to congratulate our lawyer, Mr Juan Branco,” Sonko stated, adding, “We give him our unwavering support today.”

This comes on the heels of a separate legal issue for Juan Branco in France. The French Foreign Ministry reported Branco to the judicial authorities after he disclosed the identities of two employees from the French embassy in Senegal.

Branco revealed these civil servants’ names when he lodged a French criminal complaint against the Senegalese president, accusing him of “crimes against humanity.”

The situation has escalated into a diplomatic concern between France and Senegal, with French authorities taking legal action against Branco for his actions. The consequences of his actions in both Senegal and France are yet to unfold.

Ousmane Sonko, a prominent figure in Senegal’s political landscape, has been a vocal critic of the government.

Last year’s unrest saw demonstrations and clashes between protesters and authorities, resulting in tension and instability in the country.

The authorities’ move to issue an international arrest warrant against Branco indicates the seriousness with which they are approaching the matter.

The developments surrounding Branco have captured significant attention both in Senegal and France.

As a lawyer representing a high-profile opposition figure, his actions and statements have significant implications for the ongoing political situation in Senegal.

Meanwhile, the diplomatic implications of the case highlight the sensitivity surrounding accusations of “crimes against humanity.”

As events continue to unfold, the international community watches closely to see how the situation will evolve.

The case raises questions about the responsibilities and limitations of legal representatives in high-stakes political matters and underscores the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with potential legal consequences.