Senegal has been swept by protests following the government’s decision to postpone the presidential election originally scheduled for February 25, 2024, to August 25. This move, announced by President Macky Sall, has extended his mandate, leading to widespread public outcry and criticism from both domestic opposition and international observers.
The decision, justified by President Sall due to disputes over the candidate list and alleged corruption within the constitutional body overseeing the election, has been met with accusations of an “institutional coup” by some opposition and civil society groups. The African Union, alongside regional bodies and Western governments, has urged for the swift rescheduling of the election, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to democratic principles.
Riot police officers disperse Senegalese demonstrators as they try to gather to protest the postponement of the February 25 presidential election, near Senegal’s National Assembly in Dakar, Senegal February 5, 2024.
Protests erupted in Dakar, with riot police deploying tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The situation escalated as makeshift barricades and burning tyres appeared along main thoroughfares, and the police made several arrests, including at least two opposition presidential candidates. The disturbances underscore the tension surrounding President Sall’s potential third-term ambitions and the sidelining of key opposition figures, including Ousmane Sonko.
Among those detained were prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Aminata Toure, highlighting the intensifying crackdown on dissent. The government’s actions, including the suspension of the local television channel Walf’s license, have further fueled concerns over the erosion of democratic norms in what has been considered one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
This period of political unrest reflects deep-seated frustrations among the Senegalese populace, with further protests anticipated as lawmakers debate the bill to officially extend the election timeline.
