Demonstrators in Dakar
Concern over the actions of security officers is growing as demonstrations against President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone Senegal’s elections until December continue.
Following Sall’s announcement that the polls scheduled for February 25 would now take place at the end of the year, there were fatal skirmishes between protestors and police last week.
His declaration caused a crisis in Senegal and heightened opposition to what many see as the president’s desire to prolong his term in office.
Human rights organizations, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have urged the government to make sure that the nation’s long-standing traditions of democracy and respect for human rights be upheld.
“It is crucial that the authorities unequivocally order the security forces to respect and ensure human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly,” said OHCHR spokesperson, Liz Throssell.
“At least three young men were killed during protests and at least 266 people have reportedly been arrested across the country, including journalists,” she said.
Additionally, the UN body encouraged all actors to refrain from using violence in the face of growing tension and news of planned additional protests.
“The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk calls on the government to ensure that the proposed national dialogue be as broad-based as possible and ensure genuine participation of opposition groups, women, youth and marginalised groups,” she stated.
Despite a number of military takeovers in recent years, Senegal is thought to be one of the most stable democracies in the West African region.