Senegal’s protesters should be lauded for defending their country’s democracy, not condemned for fomenting chaos. Last week, Senegal, often touted as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, was rocked by clashes between state forces and protesters following the condemnation of the country’s main opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, on June 1 for “corrupting youth“. By […]
Tag: Senegal
Senegalese voters will head to the polls on Sunday, March 24. We take a look at whose running, what’s at stake, and why it matters. Campaigning is in full swing in Senegal with rallies, motorcades and door-to-door canvassing just days before the presidential elections, which are scheduled for Sunday, March 24. This year though, because […]
The Senegalese authorities are intensifying repression ahead of the 2024 presidential election by cracking down on human rights, restricting civic space, banning protests and detaining a journalist and opposition figures, Amnesty International said today. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the Senegalese authorities are weakening human rights protection in the country, such as clamping down […]
It’s the holidays, a good time to learn about our heritage! Khadija Seck wants to seize this opportunity to help children from the African diaspora get in touch with their countries of origin. Through Alima and the Magical Balafon, a book about the magical journey of an African girl, scheduled to be released in July […]
Senegal is considered one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. But the election delay announced by President Macky Sall now threatens to erode democratic gains. President Macky Sall’s postponement of Senegal‘s February 25 presidential election has sparked protests and put a spotlight on the state of the country’s democracy. Lawmakers on Monday voted to endorse […]
When President Macky Sall announced in a televised address Monday that he would not seek a third term, democracy advocates and opposition supporters in the country celebrated. Senegal’s 61-year-old president said the country “is bigger than” he is and is “full of leaders equally capable of pushing the country toward emergence.” Sall’s supporters, like Saidibou […]
Senegal’s government has shut down internet access in response to protests about the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. This is a tactic governments are increasingly using during times of political contention, such as elections or social upheaval. The shutdowns can be partial or total, temporary or prolonged. They may target specific platforms, regions, or […]
People from all over West Africa are working on gold mines along Senegal’s border with Mali. The mining is a much-needed economic boon for the region. But mounting instability in Mali makes it vulnerable too. In the Kedougou region of southeastern Senegal, the gold rush starts just after dusk when the heat is still bearable […]
Senegal’s government began blocking several digital platforms – including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram and YouTube – in certain areas on 1 June. Days later, it extended the disruptions to all mobile internet and several television stations. The social networks were shut down for two days. This was followed by a four-day mobile internet shutdown. Given […]
There is a right time for everything, including dialogue, which is what President Macky Sall is calling for. A short time before the start of the electoral campaign, he has chosen to unilaterally put an end to the electoral process, by cancelling sine die the decree convening voters, and to push the police gendarmerie into […]
Following a hurried two weeks of campaigning, Senegal’s delayed presidential election is set for this Sunday – with more than 7 million people registered to vote for a record 18 candidates. Voters will head out to more than 16,000 polling stations across the West African country and its diaspora. Ballots will be counted after voting […]
TikTok sensation Khaby Lame ranks third on the list with a social media influence score of 85.24 out of 100. The Senegalese-born Italian who went viral in 2020 beat out Obama, Rihanna and Beyonce on the list of the most influential black celebrities. Kylian Mbappé was revealed to be the most influential black celebrity, with a […]
Senegal’s President Macky Sall announced in early February that presidential elections, originally scheduled for 25 February, would be postponed indefinitely. The announcement has raised fears of popular protests, violent repression, a once democratic president transforming into an authoritarian ruler – and possibly even another coup d’état in west Africa. There has been a flurry of […]
At least three people have died, and scores more have been arrested in demonstrations across Senegal since President Macky Sall postponed an election planned for February 25. Senegal had planned presidential elections to take place on February 25. However, the parliament has since voted to push back the vote until December 15. Senegalese President Macky […]
Senegalese reporter Ndèye Maty Niang, also known as Maty Sarr Niang, would have likely jumped at the chance to report on the political crisis gripping her country since the president postponed elections in early February. But Niang can’t cover the news – she’s in a women’s prison awaiting trial. She’s not alone: Niang is one […]
The police in Senegal say it is deploying 10,000 personnel across 6,341 polling stations for Sunday’s election As seven million Senegalese go to the polls on Sunday, the Police have identified the social media and candidates who insist their supporters remain at polling units to guard their votes, as the most likely source of security […]
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Senegal – Pre-Election Crackdown
Guarantee Fundamental Freedoms, End Arbitrary Detentions and Prosecutions The authorities in Senegal have cracked down on the opposition, media, and civil society. President Macky Sall’s promise to hold free and fair elections is at odds with the reality that the authorities have been filling prisons for the last three years with hundreds of political opponents. […]
Senegal does not need Sall. Its people must get rid of him. How many people can he put in prison? How many can he kill? My Senegalese citizens, don’t be afraid of this monste The momentum has been mounting from the barring of Ousmane Sonko and other opposition figures that have been seen to have […]