Senegal: Protests likely during Sall trial January 23 /update 5

Event

Protests, a heightened security presence, and consequent traffic disruptions are expected in the coming days near the Dakar Courthouse and the National Assembly in Dakar in advance of the expected resumption of the trial of political opposition leader Khalifa Sall on Tuesday, January 23. Tensions may be particularly high as, according to Socialist politician Barthélémy Dias, Sall is likely to stand in the 2019 presidential elections should he be acquitted in his corruption trial. As previous trial dates have witnessed protests by Sall supporters and scuffles with police, similar outbreaks of localized violence are possible on Tuesday. 

Context

Sall is the leader of the opposition coalition Manko Taxawu Senegal (MTS). In prison since March 2017 on embezzlement charges, Sall was nevertheless elected to the parliament in July 2017, without being able to take his seat. On November 25, 2017, the National Assembly lifted its parliamentary immunity to allow Sall's trial to proceed, prompting his supporters to protest in front of the National Assembly in Dakar. Subsequent trial dates, including on January 3, also witnessed scuffles within and outside of the courtroom between protesters and police. Several journalists were reportedly detained on January 3 during a brief resumption of the trial, before renewed security threats again resulted in its postponement.

Advice

Individuals in Dakar and across the country are advised to remain vigilant, monitor the situation via local media, and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering due to the risk of violence.