Senegal: Opposition leader to return to Dakar on July 10 /update 2

Event

Opposition leader and former Senegalese president, Abdoulaye Wade, is scheduled to return to the country on Monday, July 10, at 15:30 (local time). Wade will land at Dakar International Airport (DKR); increased security is likely at and around the airport due to fears of violent protests. Transportation disruptions in the vicinity are possible.

Wade has stated that he plans to support Senegal's opposition coalition in the upcoming July 30 legislative elections.

Context

Violent protests took place in Dakar in April 2014, during Wade's last visit to Senegal. His return is likely to put pressure on Senegalese president Macky Sall's government to enact economic reforms and combat rising rates of unemployment.

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. Abide by 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.