The Senegalese government has taken the step of suspending the popular social media platform TikTok, citing concerns over its potential misuse for spreading hateful and subversive content that poses a threat to the nation’s stability. The Ministry of Communication and Telecommunications highlighted TikTok’s exploitation by those with malicious intent as a primary reason for the suspension.
In parallel developments, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko remains steadfast in his hunger strike, now in its fourth day, following his arrest on multiple charges. These charges include incitement to insurrection, conspiracy, undermining state security, and association with criminals tied to a terrorist enterprise.
Amid these events, Sonko’s political party, Pastef-Les Patriotes, has been dissolved by the Senegalese government. Notably, the region where Sonko serves as the mayor, Ziguinchor, has witnessed two fatalities, underscoring the tense political climate.
Sonko, a prominent 2024 presidential hopeful, contends that the legal challenges he faces are politically motivated attempts to obstruct his participation in the political landscape. His initial arrest on March 3, 2021, stemming from rape allegations, ignited violent clashes in Dakar, resulting in five fatalities.
Adding to his legal predicament, in June 2023, Sonko was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for immoral conduct involving individuals under 21 years of age. This conviction renders him ineligible for the upcoming presidential election. Sonko vehemently denies any wrongdoing and awaits further developments, including his
