On Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, expressed “grave concern” about the situation in Senegal. He stressed the critical right of Senegalese citizens to assemble and demonstrate peacefully, urging a resolution “through established constitutional means.”
Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a call with Senegalese President Macky Sall, directly conveying American concerns. Blinken called for a swift resumption of the electoral process, reiterating the desire to see elections “continue as they were scheduled” and take place “as soon as possible.”
The international community’s concerns extend beyond the postponement and protest ban. The U.S. State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, highlighted their “extreme concern” regarding the broader context, including the suspension of mobile internet access.
These statements reflect international anxieties around potential democratic backsliding in Senegal. The call for peaceful protest and timely elections underscores the importance of respecting fundamental rights and adhering to democratic norms during this politically charged period.
It remains to be seen how the Senegalese government will respond to these international pressures and how the situation will evolve in the coming days.
