The Senegalese authorities have banned a large civil society march in Dakar called in protest against the last-minute postponement of the presidential elections and the extension of the mandate of the head of state.
The new collective Aar Sunu Election ("Let's protect our elections"), which includes dozens of trade unions and citizens' and religious groups, had organized a silent march in a neighborhood near the center of the capital.
The prefecture banned the demonstration because it "risks seriously disturbing" traffic, according to an official letter published on social networks, which the collective's representatives confirmed having received.
In the meantime, the authorities have blocked access to the Internet.
"Due to the spread on social networks of several messages of subversive hatred which have already provoked violent demonstrations, (...) mobile data internet is suspended this Tuesday 13 February," the Ministry of Communications, Telecommunications and Digital Energy said in a statement.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said it was "deeply concerned" by the crisis in Senegal, denouncing "unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against protesters and restrictions on civic space."
"At least three young people have been killed during demonstrations and at least 266 people have been arrested across the country, including journalists," spokeswoman Liz Throssell said during a press briefing in Geneva.
Investigations "must be conducted quickly, thoroughly and independently and those responsible must be held accountable", she added.
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