The Senegalese recently participated in a presidential election that has been long awaited. After months of civil unrest that followed President Macky Sall’s attempt to postpone the February election, he is now rightfully barred from seeking an unconstitutional third term. Due to a plethora of reasons including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent war in Ukraine, food and energy prices throughout Senegal have skyrocketed– heavily disrupting the economy. According to independent research Afrobarometer, AP reported that “a third of Senegal’s youth is unemployed.” With jobs highly unavailable to the youth and concerns for the faltering economy growing, voter turnout for the recent election is at an all-time high. Since Senegal’s independence from France in 1960, this election legitimizes its democratic claims. The previous violent protests and civil unrest throughout the nation had caused much concern, especially due to the history of coups and political turmoil in Senegal’s neighboring countries. This past year, Senegal’s history of liberation and advocacy for democratic regimes have been masked by violent protests that were at the disposal of President Macky Sall. With around 19 candidates running in this year’s race, the Senegalese have the potential to enforce their democratic beliefs and resist an unlawful ruler. Regime changes must be set in place, especially since support for opposition leaders is growing by the day. Opposition leaders Ousmane Sonkowas and Bassirou Diomaye Faye were recently released from prison, fostering hope among the Senegalese citizens. These citizens require the government system to change, and this election grants them the opportunity to take action.

This issue has persisted for the last year, striking many as a threat to democracy in Western Africa. With countless opposition leaders and citizens imprisoned, opposition against President Sall grew enormously. The government began cracking down on protests and monitoring citizens’ support, giving an incentive for people to advocate for a regime change. This support for democracy gave way to the release of both Sonko and Faye from prison, resulting in Sonko dropping out of the race and backing his ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The Senegalese people are looking for a leader to provide security, grant them freedom, listen to their demands, and for the remainder of the election process to be safe and fair. Many candidates decided to drop out of the election in support of Faye and Sonko’s campaign, allowing for a strong candidate to build a foundation for the election. This response has generated hope among the Senegalese and eliminates the fear of a potential coup led by President Macky Sall. Government officials and police forces impede the voices of those in Senegal, repressing their pleas and demands for change. Allowing this election to commence has given these citizens a voice, and has given them the opportunity to transform the government they have lived under. This recent achievement of initiating the 2024 election, after threatening its commencement of the election just one month ago, has united the Senegalese and allowed them to take democracy to the next step. The fear that was instilled in the nation has been lifted, creating more democratic participation than ever. With President Macky Sall vowing to exit office by April, Senegal is approached with an array of leaders who can positively influence the nation. Efforts to improve the nation’s government are finally paying off, but must be continued so civil rest and stability can ensue. 

Democracy in Western Africa is essential for the well-being of citizens. If Senegal loses sight of democracy and falls like its neighbors, hope for liberation will slowly deteriorate. The most important thing for Senegal right now is to repeatedly encourage citizens to take part in the election process and vote for a new leader. It is imperative to ensure the Senegalese citizens do not let their guard down just yet, and continue to voice their opinion as new leaders attempt to take the role of President. Regime changes can be easily corrupted, so verifying their beliefs and their campaign is crucial. Continuing to participate in the democratic process will be the leading factor as to whether Senegal will remain a democratic nation. A slip-up like unconstitutional additional terms is a wake-up call to Western Africa, reiterating that any nation can be susceptible to corruption. As a united force, the Senegalese can utilize this election to reiterate their commitment to the democratic process. Potential leaders including Ousmane Sonkowas, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and Amadou Ba, will be tested and pressured by the Senegalese to improve the world they currently live in. With a focus on creating more job opportunities and improving the economy, Senegal can restabilize and foster peace within communities. Senegal’s original attempt at post-pandemic recovery was hindered by the Ukraine war, destabilizing their economy and limiting the amount of jobs available to the youth. These leaders have to listen to the people and provide them with basic goods by revising a new plan to rebuild the nation. By encouraging new policies and new ideas, the upcoming leader of Senegal must vow to respect both the people and what democracy stands for. This 2024 election is one step closer to a more stabilized country, flourishing with the help of the democratic process. The people know what is at stake, they know what they want fixed, and now they have the power to mobilize democratically and choose a leader who can build Senegal back up again.