In a signal of reducing tensions within the West African nation, the protests unfolded peacefully, and law enforcement largely maintained a considerable distance.
President Sall’s last-minute decision to postpone the February 25 election sparked the most significant crisis in Senegal in decades, a country traditionally known for its stability.
Responding to mounting pressure domestically and internationally, the Constitutional Council stepped in on Thursday. The president committed to organizing the elections “as soon as possible,” although no specific date was announced.
In Dakar’s streets, demonstrators adorned themselves in black T-shirts bearing the inscription “Aar Sunu Election” (Protect our Election), representing the civil society collective that orchestrated the peaceful protest, characterized by a festive atmosphere.
Protesters displayed placards with messages such as “Free Senegal,” “Respect the election date,” and “No to a constitutional coup d’Etat.”
While gendarmes were prominently present around the march area, they refrained from wearing riot gear, a departure from their approach in previous demonstrations.
Earlier protests against the election delay had all been prohibited and resulted in violence, leading to three fatalities and numerous arrests. Tensions have subsided following the Constitutional Council’s decision, and authorities granted approval for Saturday’s march.
“Today’s watchword is mobilization… Senegal has no room for error,” presidential candidate Malick Gakou said at the march.
Senegal must organise the election in March so that the handover of power to the new president can take place on April 2, the end of Sall’s official mandate, he said.
His decision to follow the council’s call “lifts a lot of stress”, said rapper El Maestro le Kangham, draped in a Senegal flag.
“I don’t trust him and I’m waiting to see if he keeps his word,” the 34-year-old demonstrator said.
- United for same goal
“I am proud to see that all Senegalese are united for the same goal, holding the elections as quickly as possible. We are ready to elect a new president,” added Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Gueye.
Following the conclusion of the march, the Aar Sunu Election collective issued a statement urging its members to “sustain the mobilization, stay vigilant, and monitor the republican process.”
President Sall, who has been in power since 2012 and is not seeking a third term, explained that he canceled the vote due to disagreements over the disqualification of potential candidates and concerns about a resurgence of unrest witnessed in 2021 and 2023.
The international community has expressed apprehension about the unrest, urging Senegal to conduct the elections promptly. This appeal was reiterated by African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat on Saturday.
Despite Sall’s commitment to abide by the Constitutional Council’s decision, the new election date and the list of candidates remain uncertain.
During Saturday’s protest, the incarceration of opposition figurehead Ousmane Sonko emerged as another significant point of contention, with marchers chanting slogans such as “Free Sonko” and “Sonko, we miss you.”
