01 Mar 2024 | 10:51 AM UTC
Senegal: Protests and unrest possible nationwide through late March /update 12
Protests and unrest possible across Senegal through late March despite president's announcement that his mandate ends on April 2.
Protests and episodes of unrest remain possible across Senegal through late March after President Macky Sall announced once again on Feb. 29 that his mandate would end as planned on April 2; Hh has repeatedly said he would step down. He previously announced a national dialogue with political parties and civil society groups, which have proposed June 2 as the election date; Sall will review the conclusions of the dialogue by March 4. However, most candidates have rejected the dialogue and asked for an election date before April 2. Several opposition parties and civil society groups announced Feb. 29 the creation of a common front called Fippu to reject election dates beyond 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 - and other groups will most certainly call for protests and other actions such as strikes in the coming days.
Authorities will likely maintain an increased security posture nationwide, particularly in Dakar and Ziguinchor; security force deployments will probably be especially 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, Sall announced the postponement of the presidential polls - planned for Feb. 25 - until 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 the use of live ammunition has injured an unspecified number of people. 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.
