Senegal: Opposition march scheduled May 19 in Dakar

Event

On Friday, May 19, a march is scheduled to take place in Dakar near Boulevard du Centenaire beginning at 16:00 (local time). The march is being organized by the opposition coalition Manko Taxawou Senegal and supporters of the city's mayor Khalifa Ababacar Sall, who was arrested on March 7 on charges of corruption. Similar gatherings in the past have resulted in police using tear gas to disperse protesters.

Context

The opposition coalition aims to get Sall released before legislative elections on July 30. They are also demanding that the current president, Macky Sall, releases political prisoners, maintains the use of voting cards, and works to address the high cost of living and the conservation of natural resources.

Protests spurred by sociopolitical issues are common in Senegal and are sometimes marked by violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. In Dakar, Place de l'Indépendance, Place de l'Obélisque, and Cheikh Anta Diop University are common rallying points.

Advice

Individuals in Dakar and across the country are advised to remain vigilant, monitor the situation, and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

On a more general note, despite Senegal's status as a relatively safe country, the presence of terrorist groups in the Saharan region and Senegal's participation in military operations against these groups have increased the terrorist risk in the country. All those present in Dakar are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious objects or behavior. Cooperate with all instructions issued by the authorities and carry the proper visa or other identifying documentation at all times in case of a security check. Furthermore, certain Western governments advise against nonessential travel to the Casamance region (with the exception of zones around Oussouye and Cap Skirring, considered secure) and along the Malian and Mauritanian borders due to security concerns.​