Crackdown on Dissent in Senegal

In 2014, hundreds of Senegalese died in a separatist battle in the southern Casamance region, and according to the UN children’s agency, the conflict constituted high levels of violence against children in sectarian and retaliatory attacks by anti-Balaka militia and ex-Séléka combatants. However, after a 2014 ceasefire, violence had decreased, up until 2023.

Senegal has for a long while been known for having stable governments and civilian control and has been regarded as one of Africa’s model democracies. DR Congo, Liberia, and Kosovo have all received peacekeeping assistance from the nation thanks to its stability. This beacon of hope for democracy in Africa is now under threat due to the violent crackdown on opposition and dissent by the ruling party, Alliance for the Republic, led by President Macky Sall.

On 31^st May 2023 , protests broke out in Dakar after a criminal court handed main opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who doubles as the leader of the political party Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité (PASTEF), a two-year prison sentence on the charges of “corrupting youth”. This court decision jeopardizes Sonko’s chances of running for president in 2024. On June 4, Antoine Diome, the interior Minister, reported that the violence had resulted in scores being injured across Senegal and sixteen (16) fatalities.

Fears that President Macky Sall will seek a third term in office has been identified as one of the main reasons for the ongoing upheaval in  Senegal. The current Senegalese Constitution only allows for a two, five-year term for presidents, however President Sall, contends that a constitutional amendment passed in 2016 gives him the ability to run for re-election.

Authorities have banned protests by the opposition party and its supporters. More than 500 people have been arrested, including minors and foreigners. Social media messaging apps and mobile internet have also been restricted to “limit fake news.” These restrictions make it difficult for journalists, human rights advocates, among others to communicate, gather information, or report on events as they unfold.

The deaths, injuries, restriction of social media and arrests of peaceful demonstrators are telltale signs of an autocracy that is brewing. CDS AFRICA condemns the repression and silencing of the protestors by the ruling party and expresses concerns about an escalation of the situation.

The African Union, United Nations, ECOWAS and European Union have all released statements expressing concerns about the tumultuous situation in Senegal and have called for calm as well as the cessation of the violence being perpetuated.

CDS AFRICA recognizes the effects this crackdown on dissent could have on the democracy of Senegal. The geographic location of the country makes it prone to a possible opening for Jihadists who have already caused extensive damage in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in the event of an escalation of the situation.

We therefore implore international political stakeholder organizations to broker for peace and democracy through dialogue amongst the PASTEF and the Senegalese government to help return Senegal to its model democracy status.