Senegalese people demonstrated in the streets against the proposed extension of President Macky Sall’s term past April 2, which is the constitutionally mandated date for the handover of power. With banners and flags bearing slogans like “Election by force” and “Terminus April 2nd,” protesters made it clear that they would not stand for any attempt to extend Sall’s term as president.
The protest, which was coordinated via a citizen platform, had tremendous support from people in all spheres of society. Protester Chimere Manga stressed the value of Senegal’s sovereignty by stating, “Senegal does not belong to a third party community that should dictate the fate of its people.”
She denounced the closing of universities and what she saw as unfair imprisonments, both of which were representative of larger complaints against the current government.
The demonstration was famous for being nonviolent, which set it apart from other civil disturbance events in the nation. Originally planned to be a peaceful march, the demonstration turned into a passionate expression of demands, especially from those who supported opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and demanded his release.The timely holding of presidential elections in compliance with the constitutional schedule was at the heart of the demonstrators’ demands. Another demonstrator at the event, Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Gueye, declared, “Like all Senegalese, we have come to protest to urge Macky Sall not to delay the elections.” It’s for the country’s benefit and for his gain.
Sagar Tall echoed this idea when he emphasized the significance of maintaining republican calendar customs and constitutional values. The demonstrators’ unified voice was resonant with a common dedication to democratic principles and the rule of law.
Concurrent with the rally, the Constitutional Council rejected a bill that would have delayed the presidential election; the protestors applauded this decision. This decision upheld the importance of public mobilization in influencing political outcomes and was a success for those promoting respect to constitutional obligations.
