Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Moussa Bocar, has announced the suspension of TikTok in the country due to concerns that the platform is being used to spread “hateful and subversive messages” that threaten the nation’s stability.
The minister referred to TikTok as the preferred network for individuals with malicious intent.
The decision comes in the aftermath of the arrest of firebrand opposition politician Ousmane Sonko, who faced various charges, including incitement to insurrection.
Protests erupted in the city of Ziguinchor, where Sonko serves as mayor, resulting in three fatalities.
In addition to TikTok’s suspension, mobile data internet was temporarily shut down earlier in the week, with telecom companies instructed to comply with the order.