Senegal: Khalifa Sall immunity lifted Nov. 25 /update 2

Event

The National Assembly lifted 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, thus opening the way for a trial. Sall, accused of embezzling state funds, has been in prison since March but was nevertheless elected to the parliament in July. Protests took place on Saturday following the announcement, with police forces firing tear gas to disperse protesters in front of the National Assembly in Dakar. Further protests by Sall’s supporters are likely in the capital to demand his release.

Context

Sall is the leader of the opposition coalition Manko Taxawu Senegal (MTS).

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 re-election 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.