16 Feb 2024 | 07:47 PM UTC
Senegal: Increased security, protests likely nationwide through late February after President Sall accepts Constitutional Council ruling /update 8
Tight security, unrest likely to continue in Senegal until late February after President Sall accepts Constitutional Council's overruling.
Heightened security, protests, and disruptions will likely continue across Senegal through at least late February after President Macky Sall accepted the Constitutional Council's Feb. 15 ruling that the postponement of the general election was unconstitutional on Feb. 16; President Sall announced an official statement. The official statement also indicated that the President would conduct the necessary consultations to ensure the elections are held. The government had previously postponed the presidential election initially planned for Feb. 25 until Dec. 15.
Activists affiliated with the Aar Sunu Election (Let's Protect Our Election) platform – an umbrella group encompassing several political parties, religious organizations, and trade unions – have called for nationwide protests from 11:00 Feb. 17. In Dakar, participants plan to gather at the Sipres VDN traffic circle before marching to the Liberte 6 traffic circle.
Officials reportedly suspended mobile internet service on Feb. 13, probably to inhibit activists' ability to mobilize; similar measures are likely to be implemented in the coming days. The status of other related gatherings planned for the same date at locations elsewhere across Senegal remains unclear. In addition to the Aar Sunu Election action, a local student union in Saint Louis has declared "three black days" from Feb. 15-17 in reaction to the death of a student taking part in a protest in Saint Louis.
Various organizations will probably announce details of additional demonstrations over the coming days. Tight security is likely nationwide, particularly in Dakar and Ziguinchor; security force deployments will probably be exceptionally high near public squares, government facilities, and transport hubs, including Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar. The potential for clashes between security forces and protesters is elevated. Officials could impose further telecommunications and internet restrictions. Movement restrictions, including curfews, could be imposed in unrest-affected areas.
Exercise vigilance while operating in Senegal, especially in Dakar and Ziguinchor. Avoid all demonstrations that may materialize. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Confirm all travel arrangements before departure, including to and from DSS. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel.
On Feb. 3, President Macky Sall announced the postponement of the presidential polls planned for Feb. 25, asserting that the move was necessary due to disputes over the electoral candidate list and to promote a fair, inclusive, and transparent election. Made on the eve of campaign season, the announcement came amid an ongoing investigation into Constitutional Council members.
Since the announcement of the postponement, protests have been occurring on an almost daily basis in multiple parts of the country, including Dakar, Mbour, Saint Louis, Touba, Thies, and Zinguichor. In Zinguinchor, officers resorted to the use of live ammunition, wounding an unspecified number of people. Clashes between security forces and protesters have resulted in at least three fatalities.
Foreign governments such as France, the UK, and the US advise their citizens to increase vigilance and warn of potential unrest that may lead to road blockages, including to and from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) servicing Dakar.
