A delegation from the opposition party banned it last January. African Patriots of Senegal in Terms of Work, Ethics and Brotherhood (PASTEF) traveled to Barcelona. MPs and Senegalese from other countries, including the United States and Canada, joined them in Spain to discuss fundraising for the Senegalese presidential election scheduled for February 25. The gathering raised concerns about process and participation.
Recently, President Macky Sall unexpectedly suspended the elections indefinitely. Debates intensified over who would be permitted to stand as candidates. Dozens were disqualified, including anti-system candidate Ousmane Sonko from PASTEF, who has been imprisoned since July 2023. Critics labeled the move an institutional coup aimed at denying the opposition a likely victory. In a televised address, Sall promised a national dialogue to establish conditions for free, transparent, and inclusive elections.
Protests quickly spread to the streets, with hundreds facing police in Dakar. The government cut internet access for security reasons, citing the spread of hateful and destructive messages online.
One Senegalese immigrant, Mamadou Diagne, who resides in Spain and participates in diaspora discussions, told this newspaper that preparations for elections were underway. He noted that voting centers had been set up across Spain, including Madrid, Lavapiés, and Torrejón.
Spain remains silent
Spain hosts a significant Senegalese diaspora, with more than 85,000 people registered. The majority support the opposition. In the 2022 parliamentary elections, anti-government parties among Senegalese voters gathered a sizable share, reflecting a landscape where New coalitions and opposition groups gained influence. The Spanish government has yet to issue a formal statement about the sudden postponement of the elections.
Observers note that the government has not commented on what some see as a corporate coup. This silence may indicate concerns about the prospects of opposition leadership and the influence of migration management policies. The opposition coalition emphasizes sovereignty in multiple areas, including resource use and migration cooperation, while acknowledging the need for prudent partnerships, especially with European counterparts. Yet questions remain about how such partnerships might influence domestic politics.
Ousmane Sonko and PASTEF, seen as anti-system and nationalist with pan-African tendencies, are viewed by supporters as representing a broader reformist agenda. They argue for greater scrutiny of foreign influence and the handling of resources, while criticizing perceived external meddling in national affairs.
Immigration cooperation with Spain
In 2020, Spain and Senegal formalized a cooperation framework to strengthen regular migration channels and combat human trafficking. A year later, during a visit by the Spanish government, two agreements were signed to promote safe and orderly migration and to facilitate cooperation on migration management. Senegal is identified as a priority country in Spain’s Africa-focused agenda for 2023.
As part of joint efforts, authorities in Spain and Senegal coordinate with law enforcement and Frontex to address migration challenges. Spain has provided movement control assets, including six surveillance drones, to monitor flows and support rescue operations during peak departure periods.
A government delegation described how the Senegalese navy handles large-scale maritime departures with support from air and naval assets, emphasizing coordinated search, rescue, and repatriation efforts along the coast.
Record arrival in Spain
The political crisis in Senegal coincided with a surge in travel from the country to Spain. Data indicate that a substantial portion of arrivals to the Canary Islands via the Western Mediterranean route originated from Senegal, underscoring the broader regional impact of the crisis. While full origin data remains incomplete, the trend points to a significant Senegalese presence in Spain during the period.
The sequence of events in early 2023 saw mounting political tension in Senegal, including debates over term limits and investigations into allegations against opposition figures. Protests were widespread, with clashes reported and numerous casualties. The situation evolved into a major constitutional and political challenge, raising questions about governance, justice, and the path forward for the country.
Ultimately, leadership announced strategic changes intended to restore stability and facilitate a transition that respects democratic norms. The moment highlighted the fragility of progress in markets and institutions alike, inviting continued scrutiny of governance, civil liberties, and international engagement as Senegal seeks a steady, peaceful course ahead.