27 Feb 2024 | 01:54 PM UTC
Senegal: Protests and unrest are possible through early March /update 11
Protests and unrest possible across Senegal through early March despite the president's announcement that his mandate ends on April 2.
Protests and episodes of unrest remain possible across Senegal through early March after President Macky Sall announced on Feb. 26 that his mandate would end as planned on April 2 and that the election day would occur around the month of June or July. He has repeatedly said he would step down, including during a speech held on Feb. 22, in which he also announced a dialogue with all political parties and civil society groups Feb. 26-27. However, most candidates have rejected the dialogue and asked for an election date before April 2.
Activists will continue to maintain pressure as long as no official election date is announced. 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 a "dead cities day" nationwide on Feb. 27. The platform and other groups also gathered in Dakar over the Feb. 24-25 weekend. The demonstrations attracted thousands of participants and concluded peacefully.
Authorities will likely maintain an increased security posture 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 to Dec. 15, 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. The Constitutional Court ruled that the President's move was unconstitutional on Feb. 15.
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. Clashes between security forces and protesters have resulted in at least four fatalities across the country, including Dakar, Zinguinchor, and Saint Louis, while an unspecified number of people have been injured by the use of live ammunition. Officials have suspended mobile internet service on several occasions, including on Feb. 13, probably to inhibit activists' ability to mobilize.
Since the crisis erupted, foreign governments such as France, the UK, and the US have advised 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.
