Senegal: Anti-government sit-in protest in Dakar January 11 /update 6

Event

Leaders of the C25 opposition coalition will reportedly stage a sit-in protest at Place de la Nation in Dakar on Friday, Janaury 11, beginning at 15:00 (local time). Organizers have called on participants to denounce the recent Constitutional Court decision to reject some ballot-sponsorship submissions ahead of the February 24 presidential elections. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected. Further protests are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Opposition leaders denounce discrepancies in the electoral process ahead of the February 24 general elections, including the decision to block jailed former Dakar's mayor, Khalifa Sall,  and other opposition candidates from running for president. Another leading opposition figure, former Minister Karim Wade, will also be unable to contest President Macky Sall in the upcoming elections due to convictions. Senegal ballot access laws introduced in 2018 require a minimum of 53,000 signatures, or sponsors, in support of a candidate to appear on a presidential ballot. 

Advice

Individuals in Dakar are advised to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, budget extra time to travel within the city due to expected traffic disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.