Senegal suspends TikTok saying it was threatening stability
Senegal's communications minister announced on Wednesday that access to the social media app TikTok has been suspended until further notice. This decision comes shortly after the country restricted the use of mobile internet amid ongoing opposition protests.
- Tech
- Reuters
- Published Date: 03:13 | 02 August 2023
- Modified Date: 03:13 | 02 August 2023
Senegal has suspended access to social media app TikTok until further notice, the communications minister said on Wednesday, days after restricting the use of mobile internet amid opposition protests.
"The minister... informs the public that it has been observed that the TikTok application is the social network favoured by people with bad intentions to spread hateful and subversive messages threatening the stability of the country," the minister's statement said.
The West African country has also restricted access to internet services since Monday, using a similar justification.
The restrictions come after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was charged with plotting an insurrection, criminal conspiracy and other offences.
Senegal has seen sporadic violent protests throughout the year, as opposition supporters have accused President Macky Sall of levelling charges against Sonko to disqualify him from the next election.