Andrea Chamorro
Analyst at Fundación Alternativas and Africa and Middle East specialist
On 1 June, Senegal once again witnessed the start of violent protests against political repression. Opposition politician Ousmane Sonko had been sentenced to two years in prison for “corruption of minors”, which would prevent him from standing in the February 2024 elections. For his part, he claims to be the target of a “plot”. This is not the first judicial process he has faced, as in 2021 he was accused of sexual abuse. The opposition candidate was arrested and violent protests broke out in which buildings, shops and infrastructure, some of them French, were attacked. He was later released, but clashes between protesters and security forces left 15 people dead. Sonko has been outspoken against Macky Shall’s government, corruption and colonialism. He finds greater sympathy among young people, who are an important part of the Senegalese population, as in 2022 the average age of the country was 19. His success is growing: in the 2022 legislative elections, his party, African Patriots of Senegal for Labour, almost won an absolute majority and his capacity for social mobilisation has increased after his arrest two years ago.
Senegal has been a politically stable country, but it is not a democracy. The current president, Macky Sall, has held power since 2012, and since then has persecuted his political rivals. In the upcoming elections, the president would be barred from running due to constitutional restrictions. However, Sall believes he could run, as the Magna Carta was changed during his first term, and could not be applied retroactively. Despite the stability the country has enjoyed over the years, the difficult political and social situation cannot be hidden. According to 2020 data, it ranks 168 out of 189 in the Human Development Index. Its economy is based on peanut farming, fishing and the service sector. The country’s agriculture fails to meet the food needs of the people, making it heavily dependent on imports such as rice. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have worsened the situation. The benefits of economic activity are not reflected in an improvement of the situation of the population due to the high levels of corruption in the country. The population lives in severe economic hardship, which is more acute in rural areas.
Protests were concentrated in Dakar, the country’s capital. There was also major unrest in Ziguinchor, located in the Casamance region, where Sonko is a former mayor. Social media were suspended during the demonstrations, and the interior minister justified this action as “limiting fake news”. The government accused the demonstrators of destroying public and private property. Subsequently, the army was deployed at strategic points in Dakar to “guarantee security”. Twenty people have now been killed and 350 injured, and the UN has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances. Amnesty International has denounced the use of live bullets by security forces. Senegal’s director of public security said 500 people had been arrested. Despite restrictions on social networking, social networks can be accessed using a VPN system. In recent days, videos have shown people in uniform beating people and civilians opening fire on demonstrators. The Senegalese government has opened an investigation, but has assured that these are violent protesters.
After several days of fierce protests, the Senegalese president addressed the nation. During his speech he announced his intention not to run in the 2024 elections. This opens up new possibilities in these elections, as Sonko will not be able to run either. However, the opposition leader will try to participate in the elections, although he is currently locked up in his house at risk of arrest.
Senegal has long been considered a symbol of stability in Africa. However, the lack of democracy and the poor economic and social situation have sparked discontent among a very young population that is clamouring for change. Sonko provides an opportunity for change through his fight against corruption and open opposition to the current system. President Sall is seeking to remain in power despite the population’s rejection of him, and has therefore not hesitated to pursue the main opponent by any means at his disposal. However, Senegalese society has shown over the years that it is willing to confront whoever is necessary to bring about change in the country.
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