07 Jul 2017 | 09:39 AM UTC
Senegal: Opposition leader to return to Dakar on July 5
Opposition leader to return to Dakar on July 5; heightened security expected near Dakar International Airport, unrest possible
Event
Opposition leader and former president of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, has announced plans to return to Senegal on Wednesday, July 5. Wade will land in Dakar, and increased security is likely at Dakar International Airport and in its vicinity to mitigate the possibility of violent opposition protests. Wade has stated that he plans to support Senegal's opposition coalition in the upcoming July 30 legislative elections.
Transportation disruptions are possible in the vicinity of Dakar International Airport. Protests are likely, and the possibility of violence cannot be ruled out.
Context
Violent protests took place in Dakar in April 2014, during Wade's last visit to Senegal. Wade's 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. 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.
