Senegal’s upcoming presidential election on February 25th hangs in the balance as Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a scathing report accusing the government of repressing opposition leaders, media, and civil society.
The report, published just weeks before the polls, casts a dark shadow over President Macky Sall’s promises of free and fair elections.
HRW paints a concerning picture, highlighting hundreds of alleged political opponents imprisoned in the past three years.
The report urges Senegalese authorities to investigate abuses by security forces, release arbitrarily detained individuals, and uphold fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
This call for accountability comes amidst Justice Minister Aissata Tall Sall’s assurances in Geneva.
While claiming respect for political and expression freedoms, her words ring hollow against the backdrop of a volatile political climate. The recent exclusion of prominent opposition figures Ousmane Sonko and Karim Wade from the electoral race further fuels anxieties about the fairness of the upcoming contest.
Sonko, a charismatic figure with a strong youth following, was disqualified due to a recent defamation conviction. His supporters, drawn to his pan-Africanist ideals and anti-colonial stance, decry the verdict as politically motivated.
This exclusion creates a significant power vacuum and raises concerns about potential unrest, echoing the deadly clashes that erupted in 2021 and 2023 following Sonko’s arrest.
HRW’s detailed report further amplifies these concerns.
They accuse security forces of excessive force, including the use of live ammunition and tear gas against protesters, resulting in at least 37 deaths since 2021. The lack of accountability for these alleged abuses fuels public grievances and raises doubts about the government’s commitment to transparency and rule of law.
With Prime Minister Amadou Ba nominated as President Sall’s successor, the February 25th election will be a crucial test for Senegal’s young democracy. HRW’s report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead: ensuring inclusive participation, upholding fundamental rights, and addressing growing public anger if Senegal is to hold an election truly worthy of its democratic aspirations.
