Senegal: Protests possible in Dakar Nov. 25 over Khalifa Sall immunity /update 1

Event

The National Assembly is expected to vote to lift the parliamentary immunity of jailed opposition leader Khalifa Sall - a member of the National Assembly and the mayor of the capital Dakar - on Saturday, November 25. A committee hearing initially scheduled for Wednesday was canceled; instead, the National Assembly will vote directly on the issue, despite the fact that this is in breach of parliamentary conventions. Furthermore, a demand by Sall’s lawyer that his client be released immediately has been rejected by the courts.

Sall, accused of embezzling state funds, has been in prison since March but was nevertheless elected to the parliament in July. Protests by Sall’s supporters are likely in the capital on November 25 to demand his release. An increased security presence is to be expected.

Context

Sall is the leader of the opposition coalition Manko Taxawu Senegal (MTS). Protests in the capital have previously been organized to demand Sall's release and allow him to take his seat in parliament.

The ruling Benno Bokk Yaakaar party won 125 of 165 seats in parliament in July’s elections - a likely boon for President Macky Sall (no relation) in his expected bid for reelection in 2019. However, July’s elections were met with widespread accusations of government-sponsored voter fraud and suppression; some opposition parties have called for boycotts of all future elections. 

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.