Senegal faces a political crisis as elections slated for February 25 are postponed, prompting protests across many regions. International observers and multiple institutions express concern, urging a swift restoration of an orderly process so that Senegalese voters can exercise their rights. A large rally in Dakar was planned for the same Tuesday but was banned by the government to prevent traffic disruption.
The core factors behind the current turmoil in this West African nation are:
election postponement
On Saturday, February 3, President Macky Sall announced on television that the vote scheduled for the end of the month would be delayed indefinitely. The move comes as the campaign season was about to begin. Sall explained that the decision aimed to address irregularities, and he pledged to open a national dialogue to ensure free, transparent, and inclusive elections. He also said that the postponement was necessary to create the right conditions for a credible process.
The announcement drew sharp criticism from the opposition, which labeled it an institutional maneuver designed to gain time in power. Protests followed, with opponents accusing the president of trying to extend his term. The political climate has been tense for months, amid debates about whether Sall might seek a third term, a possibility he initially ruled out after late-night discussions and public uncertainty.
political crisis
The current president’s mandate runs through April 2. Polls are not expected to identify a successor by then. In a controversial session on Monday, February 5, Parliament voted to postpone elections to mid-December, effectively extending Sall’s term. The plenary session featured an unusual interruption as police entered the chamber to dismiss several opposition MPs who opposed the decision and tried to block the vote.
That same day, authorities cut internet access and restricted mobility in Dakar, including a ban on motorcycle circulation. Private broadcaster Walf TV, which had been airing coverage of the protests, suspended broadcasts during the lower house session.
rejected candidates
The approval process for presidential hopefuls, overseen by the Constitutional Council, was mired in controversy. Only 20 of 93 candidates passed the council’s screening. Notably, Karim Wade, a son of former president Abdoulaye Wade, was disqualified due to dual nationality and an unrenounced French passport. The constitution requires candidates to hold only Senegalese citizenship. Wade and his party called for an investigation into how lists were prepared, arguing that the postponement was used to fix perceived flaws in the electoral system.
Wade described the proceedings as an effort to undermine the electoral process, while insisting that the delay could create space to address deficiencies and improve integrity in the system.
destructive opposition
Another prominent figure whose bid was rejected is Ousmane Sonko, who has faced legal proceedings since last summer on charges including corrupting youth and inciting protests in Dakar. His conviction and imprisonment contributed to days of unrest that left numerous casualties last summer. Sonko and his party criticized the postponement, arguing that an alternative candidate, Doumaye Fayehad, deserved consideration and could compete effectively in a reconfigured race.
Sonko has long been a vocal voice in Senegalese politics, challenging traditional elites with an anti-colonial rhetoric that resonated with many voters. His party has positioned itself as a major critic of the postponement and advocated for rapid, fair electoral arrangements.
anger in the streets and police repression
Thousands gathered, waving the Senegalese flag and chanting slogans such as, “Sall, dictator.” As protests intensified, security forces responded with tear gas and arrests, prompting concerns about the handling of demonstrations. Several lives were reported lost in the recent clashes, including young people in Saint-Louis, Dakar, and Ziguinchor. A hospital official described a fatal head injury as a leading cause of death in one case.
These events highlight the deep political polarization and the high stakes for the country as it navigates a transition period that could shape Senegal’s democratic trajectory for years to come.
international concern
Diplomatic voices from within and beyond Africa have urged a resolution to the deadlock. The African Union has called for a prompt determination of a new election date, while the Council of the European Union warned that delayed decisions could threaten Senegal’s long-standing democratic reputation. Given its strategic position along migratory routes to the Canary Islands, Senegal’s political stability is closely watched by partners in North America, Europe, and the region. Recent crises have historically sparked migration outflows, underscoring the real social and economic impacts of political uncertainty in the country.