In Senegal, tensions are reaching boiling heights and the general population is uncertain if proper elections will be held on February 26, the country’s scheduled date for the presidential elections.
In Senegal, tensions are reaching boiling heights and the general population is uncertain if proper elections will be held on February 26, the country’s scheduled date for the presidential elections.
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The country is seeing its third week of public but peaceful demonstrations, spearheaded by the Yen-A-Marre Movement and the M23 group, made up of opposition candidates. All are hoping to pressure the current president, Abdoulaye Wade, who is 85, to back out of the elections.
“It is a one-of-a-kind situation here in Senegal right now,” said Djily Aidara, Co-Founder of the Yen-A-Marre movement. “It’s very uncertain.”
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According to Djily, the elections may not take place, as a majority of Senegalese are uncertain about what will develop ahead of the ballot. Candidates of the M23 opposition M23 are not officially campaigning; instead they are gathering locals to protest.
These protests usually take place at Independent Square in Senegal’s capital, Dakar. But Wade has since ordered authorities to block civilians from gathering and protesting there.
“People are going to that place [Independent Square] and police are saying they can’t cross this line. Then people start pushing trying to get through to protest. They don't have guns - just rocks,” said Djily.
The scene would then turn into chaos, with people pushing to get past the police, throwing rocks and burning tires.
Although the police are blocking the entrance to Independent Square, protests are still scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday Feb 21st, when groups are scheduled to meet at 3pm and again attempt to hold a peaceful protest.
This year’s election is historic for Senegal, the model West African country praised for its democratic policies and smooth, historic transition of presidents into power.
Adbou Diouf, president of Senegal from 1981 to 2000, peacefully handed over power to Abdoulaye Wade in 2000. Wade had been jailed twice during his run against Diouf for carrying out his own public demonstrations.
Although Senegal’s presidential contest this week is uncertain, there is one candidate, according to Djily, who would get his vote - Cheikh Bamba Gueye.
“He is the youngest of them all but very patriotic. He tried with force…to the square and the police dragged him about 20 feet. He seems honest,” said Djily.
“But I’m not sure what’s gonna happen.”
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