Senegalese citizens have taken to the streets in a resounding protest against the possible extension of President Macky Sall’s term beyond the constitutionally designated date of April 2nd for the transfer of power. The protesters, waving flags and displaying banners bearing messages like “Election by force” and “Terminus April 2nd,” vehemently oppose any move to prolong Sall’s presidency.
This demonstration, orchestrated by a citizen platform, garnered extensive support across various segments of society. Chimere Manga, one of the participants, emphasized the paramount importance of Senegal’s sovereignty, asserting, “Senegal does not belong to a third-party community that should dictate the fate of its people.” She decried perceived injustices such as unjust imprisonments and the closure of universities, emblematic of broader grievances against the current administration.
Despite its peaceful nature, the protest marked a departure from previous civil unrest in the country. Initially conceived as a silent march, it evolved into a spirited expression of demands, particularly from supporters of opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, who called for his release.
Central to the protesters’ demands is the prompt holding of presidential elections in line with the constitutional timeline. Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Gueye, another rally participant, affirmed, “We have come to protest, like all Senegalese, to urge Macky Sall not to delay the elections. It is for the good of the nation and for his own benefit.”
Sagar Tall echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of upholding constitutional principles and respecting the republican calendar. The collective voice of the demonstrators resonates with a shared commitment to democratic norms and the rule of law.
The protest coincided with the Constitutional Council’s rejection of a law proposing the postponement of the presidential election, a decision welcomed by the demonstrators. This rejection signals a victory for those advocating adherence to constitutional mandates and reinforces the significance of public mobilization in shaping political outcomes.
