Senegal, known for its stable democracy in a tumultuous region, faces a potential crisis as protests clash with police outside the National Assembly. The cause of the unrest is a controversial bill passed by lawmakers inside, extending President Macky Sall’s tenure and postponing elections, just three weeks before the scheduled vote.
Khalifa Sall, a prominent opponent and former Dakar mayor (unrelated to the president), denounced the delay as a “constitutional coup” during an interview. He called on citizens to protest, and his political coalition vowed to challenge the decision in court. Another candidate, Thierno Alassane Sall, echoed the sentiment, labeling it “high treason” and urging supporters to gather in front of the National Assembly.
To pass, the proposal required the support of three-fifths (99) of the 165 deputies. The ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition, including President Sall’s Alliance for the Republic party, holds a slim majority. The heated atmosphere in the chamber reportedly led to the removal of some opposition MPs by security forces attempting to block proceedings.
In the end, 105 MPs voted for the proposal, extending the postponement from the initially proposed six months to 10 months, ending on December 15. President Sall reiterated that he had no intention of running for office again, but critics accuse him of attempting to cling to power or unduly influencing his successor.
Senegal’s democratic reputation is now in question, facing a constitutional crisis and a test of electoral integrity and judicial independence. Tensions escalated over the past two years, with allegations of excluding opposition members from elections through legal charges. Despite the president’s attempt to calm the situation by delaying the vote, protests erupted across Dakar.
Authorities responded by restricting mobile internet services to prevent the spread of “hateful and subversive messages,” while a private television channel, Walf TV, had its signal shut down for alleged “incitement to violence” in covering the demonstrations. The opposition condemned these actions, and two politicians, including former Prime Minister Aminata Touré, were briefly detained.
As dissatisfaction with democracy in Senegal grows under President Sall, concerns about further political turmoil and its potential impact on the West African region mount. The country, historically stable, faces unprecedented challenges, and international entities, including Ecowas, the African Union, France, the US, and the EU, have called for dialogue and swift elections.
However, analysts suggest that President Sall’s international standing may limit external pressure, and the situation remains fluid, with the potential for continued unrest and a significant impact on Senegal’s democratic legacy.
About Post Author
Views: 1
