23 Feb 2024 | 08:44 AM UTC
Senegal: Protests and unrest possible through late February after President Sall announces he step over April 2 /update 10
Protests and unrest possible across Senegal until late February despite President's announcement that mandate ends on April 2.
Protests and episodes of unrest remain possible across Senegal through at least late February after President Macky Sall announced late Feb. 22 that his mandate would end as planned on April 2. He said that the election date will be provided after a two-day dialogue with all political parties and civil society groups on Feb. 26-27. He also announced the potential release of opposition figures, including Ousmane Sonko. The government had previously postponed the presidential election initially planned for Feb. 25 until Dec. 15; a decision the Constitutional Court said was unconstitutional on Feb. 15.
Despite the announcement that may ease tensions for the time being, further protests are possible across Senegal as long as no official election date is announced. Polling day is unlikely to take place prior to April 2. 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 - gathered in Dakar on Feb. 17. Authorities had granted authorization for the march, which 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, 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. 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.
