Senegal faces political crisis ahead of presidential election debate

Security forces dispersed protesters outside Senegal’s parliament on Monday, moments before a heated debate on the controversial postponement of the upcoming presidential election.

Chants of “Macky Sall dictator” echoed as dozens of demonstrators were forced away by security personnel.

President Macky Sall’s announcement of a delay to the February 25 poll on Saturday heightened the political crisis in Senegal. Opposition leaders have labeled the move a “constitutional coup,” denouncing it as a direct assault on democracy.

In a bid to control mobilization and communication, the government cut mobile internet access in various districts of the capital, Dakar, on Monday—following a similar measure last June during heightened tensions.

The unrest continued from Sunday’s violent street protests in Dakar, where tear gas was again employed by security forces, leading to the arrest of at least one senior opposition figure. International concerns are mounting, with the United States, European Union, and France urging a prompt rescheduling of the vote.

The National Assembly is set to vote on a proposal to delay the presidential poll for up to six months at 11:00 am (1100 GMT). However, the outcome remains uncertain, requiring three-fifths support from the 165 deputies.

Opposition figures had called for a demonstration outside the heavily guarded National Assembly.

One protester, Malick Diouf, emphasized the need to reject the political agenda, characterizing it as an attempt to maintain power through force.

Senegal, known for its stability since independence in 1963, faces the unprecedented situation of a postponed presidential election. Concerns loom over a potential return to violence, reminiscent of the clashes in March 2021 and June 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and arrests.

African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat called for resolution through consultation and dialogue. Faki urged authorities to organize elections swiftly and transparently. President Sall cited a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Council over candidate rejections as the reason for the postponement.

While Sall insists he will not seek re-election, the opposition suspects the delay is a strategy to avoid defeat or extend his term. Prime Minister Amadou Ba has been designated as Sall’s successor, but internal party divisions raise doubts about his chances in the election. Opposition MP Ayib Daffe claimed on social media that pro-Sall deputies proposed extending his term by a year in a preparatory meeting for Monday’s session.