Since Senegalese President Macky Sall’s recent election postponement, thousands of citizens have marched in a peaceful protest within Senegal’s capital of Dakar. Since the Senegal Constitutional Court overturned President Sall’s ruling for a postponed election, an abundance of Senegalese citizens gathered in unity to protest for fair elections. This authorized protest was organized by a civil society group named Aar Sunu Election, which advocates for a protected election process. Senegal has a recent history of violent, deadly protests, yet this organized gathering has marked a peaceful and unified moment in Senegal’s history. Due to the growing pressures on President Sall, he has claimed to resume election plans despite his disclosure of a designated date. Tensions are rising during the electoral process as President Sall is accused of unlawfully trying for a third term.
France 24 reports Moussa Faki Mahamat, an African Union Commission chief’s statement to appeal and call “on Senegal to hold a vote as soon as possible.” As citizens begin to share their voices, France 24 adds that presidential candidate Malick Gakou emphasizes the importance of “mobilization” and that “Senegal has no room for error.” In an attempt to soften tensions and create a peaceful atmosphere, the election process must commence fairly and democratically. The New York Times reports Ousmane Diallo, a researcher with Amnesty International, claims that “for the first time in history, Senegal has just suffered a coup d’état.”
This peaceful march that constituted thousands of unified Senegalese citizens yields great prospects for democratic regimes in West Africa. A once heightened political crisis begins to calm as groups attempt to re-stabilize their democracy. The initial delay caused much political unrest– leaving as many as four citizens dead–but the process of mass mobilization in Dakar has led to new achievements and reforms in the political office. The Senegalese need to continue to pressure President Sall, specifically in a disciplined manner, so the election date can be finalized. These protests and public gatherings must be authorized, organized, and peaceful, so the citizens stay safe while also having their voices heard.
Senegal is a traditionally stable nation, being one of the most successful democracies in Western Africa. However, recent events have stimulated a terrible crisis that has resulted in violent riots. President Sall has been in power since 2012 and is well known for disqualifying potential candidates and opposition figures. The act of unlawfully trying for a third presidential term reinstates the idea that a coup d’état is in order. In the past, Senegal has had the reputation of being the only coup-free West African democracy, but Sall’s recent actions and accusations of treason violate this reputation.
The future implications of this situation are dependent on Sall’s commitment to the democratic regime. The government as well as the people need to continue to put pressure on the President, ensuring that the 2024 election will take place. To prevent more civil unrest and violence, political hostility must be alleviated, making the prospect of violent protests fictitious. The Senegalese people should share their voices and beliefs peacefully, creating a stable democratic environment for Senegal and its people. As long as the election takes place sooner rather than later, the Senegalese can prevent the actualization of a coup while preserving their strengthening democracy.
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