Senegal Presidential Election : The Roots Of The Current Tensions

The democratic process in Senegal is steering in turbulent waters. For now, no one can say with certainty what the future holds. Senegal, a country that for many years took pride in being one of the most peaceful countries in Africa with a long tradition of non-violence and freedom of speech, is today the centre of heightened political acrimony. From 2021, when many young people lost their lives during demonstrations against the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, the political climate has worsened. 
At the centre of all the maneuvers is the 2024 presidential elections. The opposition and some leaders of the civil society fear that President Macky Sall is gradually earmarking a strategy to run for a third term. The constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms. But President Macky Sall argues that a constitutional reform adopted in 2016 allows him to reset the clock and seek another term. As the days go by, fear has engulfed the entire nation to the extent that there are worries with regards to the cycle of violence that might be triggered in case President Macky Sall decides to run for a third mandate. 
During the recent demonstrations that left 15 dead and more than 500 injured following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years imprisonment, protesters demanded the resignation of President Macky Sall. Universities, schools, and shops were shut as the demonstrations turned into violent clashes. Social media, and a private media channel, Walf TV, were closed down by the government. While the political class labelled the trial of Sonko as “a fraudulent set-up” aimed at preventing him from participating in the 2024 elections, an increasing number of journalists and human rights activists have since received threats from the government. In 2022 the country’s ranking in the Press Freedom index managed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), dropped from 49th to 73rd out of 180 countries. In the Press Freedom Index of 2023, Sene...