Senegal: Ramadan to begin May 15-16

Event

On May 15-16 (depending on the moon in various locations around the world), Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place between June 14-16 (depending on the country and when Ramadan started). Many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather for festivities and to eat with family, especially over weekends. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of hunger, dehydration, exhaustion, and impatience.

Tight security measures are also to be expected due to a heightened terror threat in the region. Local authorities also typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. Senegal is predominantly Muslim, with 95 percent of its population identifying as such.

More generally, this period also marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Senegal fears that the series of terrorist attacks perpetrated by Islamist extremists, in West Africa in the recent past may indicate that a similar attack could soon occur on its own territory. Dakar in particular is a potential target, as it hosts many Western businesses, UN agencies, and international NGOs. Furthermore Senegal has longstanding ties to France (which has been targeted by various terrorist groups due to its military operations in the region) and currently has hundreds of security personnel stationed in northern Mali as part of a UN peacekeeping mission.

Advice

Individuals in Senegal are advised to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public by day during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to 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.