Election protests turn deadly in Senegal

AT the weekend, two people were confirmed dead after protests were held across Senegal. Demonstrators were not allowed to gather , and groups were dispersed by security forces.

The victims confirmed so far, two men in their twen - ties, were killed in SaintLouis and in Dakar accord - ing to local media reports. The victim in Saint- Louis was a student. He was killed on a school campus follow - ing demonstrations in the northern city, according to a statement from the public prosecutor.

Anger has mounted since President Sall last week postponed presidential elections scheduled this month.

The delay came hours before official campaigning was due to begin.

Parliament backed a delay until December and voted to keep Sall in power until his successor takes office, which is unlikely to be before early 2025. Sall's second term was due to end April 2, 2024.

The President said he postponed the vote because of a dispute between parliament and the Constitutional Council over aspiring candidates who were not allowed to stand.

In an interview at the weekend, the President said he wants to rapidly organize a national dialogue that will pave the way for a peaceful electoral process.

Opposition lawmakers have filed an appeal at the Constitutional court while presidential candidates appealed to the Supreme Court.

A new round of protests is planned for tomorrow ( Tuesday February 13, 2024).

Senegalese in the diaspora have also taken to the streets. In France where a large community of Senegalese lives, crowds gathered at the weekend in major cities including Paris, Bordeaux ( South west) and Nice ( south).