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The Senegalese government has arrested five individuals for selling Starlink terminals without the necessary license or authorization. The arrests were made by the Department of Urban Security of the National Police, and those apprehended could face up to five years imprisonment and a fine of 60 million CFA (0,000). Additionally, the telecommunications regulatory authority has issued a warning to all service providers engaged in marketing Starlink and similar activities to immediately halt their services nationwide.

Starlink, developed by SpaceX, offers high-speed internet access of up to 150Mbps through satellite technology, requiring only a clear view of the sky. This allows users to bypass traditional telecom operators and remain connected to the internet, even if the government decides to suspend internet services. However, Starlink’s website states that the service is currently unavailable in Senegal.

The recent arrests are part of a larger pattern of internet restrictions imposed by the Senegalese government as a means of controlling its citizens. Last month, internet access was limited following protests that occurred after the arrest of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko. Internet services were once again suspended last week upon Sonko’s rearrest.

In addition to the internet shutdowns, the Senegalese government recently banned the popular social media platform TikTok, citing concerns that it is being used to spread “hateful and subversive messages.” This decision was made by Moussa Bocar Thiam, the country’s minister of communications, telecommunications, and digital economy.

These developments underscore the ongoing tension between the Senegalese government and its citizens regarding internet access and freedom of expression. As the government clamps down on platforms and technologies like Starlink, the issue of internet censorship remains a contentious topic in the country.

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