Power and security forces increasingly criticized during protests in Senegal
President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone the country’s elections until December has sparked protests and intense protests in Senegal. Deadly clashes between protesters and police last week have exacerbated the crisis currently shaking the country, with citizens denouncing an attempt by the president to extend his mandate.
Faced with this situation, human rights organizations, such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, have called on the authorities to preserve the tradition of democracy and respect for human rights. which has characterized Senegal for a long time.
Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed the importance of the order given to security forces to respect human rights, including freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. She also deplored the death of three young people during the demonstrations and the arrest of 266 people, including journalists.
Amid this growing tension and calls for further protests, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has appealed to all parties to avoid violence. He also stressed the need for an inclusive national dialogue, involving all relevant stakeholders, including opposition groups, women, youth and marginalized groups.
This situation is all the more serious given that Senegal is considered one of the most stable democracies in the West African region, marked in recent years by a series of military coups.
There is no doubt that the persistent tension in Senegal and the consequences of this crisis will be closely monitored by the international community. All eyes are now on the Senegalese authorities to see how they will manage this delicate situation, maintaining a balance between respect for human rights and the political stability of the country.