
Senegal Parliament to Discuss Extension of President’s Mandate Amid Protests
By Cooper Inveen and Diadie Ba
DAKAR – Senegalese police took action against protests on Sunday regarding the postponement of the presidential election, as parliament is set to discuss a bill that proposes rescheduling the vote to August and extending President Macky Sall’s term.
Sall announced on Saturday that the February 25 election would be delayed indefinitely due to disputes over the candidate list and allegations of corruption within the constitutional body responsible for the list. Some opposition groups and civil society organizations have condemned this decision as an “institutional coup.”
Lawmakers are scheduled to discuss a proposal on Monday to hold the election on August 25, which would also allow Sall to remain in office until his successor is appointed, according to the contents of the bill.
This is the first instance of Senegal delaying a presidential election, and there are concerns that the uncertainty could lead to further unrest, echoing the violent protests seen in recent years that have affected the country’s reputation as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies.
In early demonstrations, protesters set up makeshift barricades using burning tires and blocked traffic on major roads in Dakar. Some protesters faced police in riot gear, which resulted in the use of tear gas and the detention of several demonstrators.
At least two opposition presidential candidates were involved in the confrontations. Candidate Daouda Ndiaye reported that he was attacked by police, while the campaign manager for Anta Babacar Ngom stated she had been detained and was still being held later in the evening.
Former Prime Minister Aminata Toure also claimed she was arrested immediately upon exiting her vehicle and taken to a police station in Dakar. In her response to the postponement, Toure remarked that “President Macky’s exit slip is now marked with the seal of this unprecedented democratic regression.”
The police have not provided any comments regarding these incidents.
More protests are expected to take place outside parliament on Monday.
Following Sall’s announcement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) voiced concern regarding the reasons behind the election delay and urged for a prompt establishment of a new election date.
Additionally, the French foreign ministry called on the Senegalese authorities to eliminate the uncertainties surrounding the electoral schedule, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the principles of Senegalese democracy while ensuring the elections are held as swiftly as possible.