Senegal Roundup: International pressure, diaspora protest in Paris, amnesty law

International pressure on Senegal

The international community is pressuring Macky Sall's regime to adhere to the Republican calendar following the postponement of the Presidential election. Sall, once favoured by Western powers, now faces dwindling support abroad, particularly evident in the reactions of Western chancelleries and France's distancing from his regime. The French government, through Minister Stéphane Séjourné, urged Senegal to uphold constitutional norms and the electoral schedule, reports local media Enquete. Media coverage from French outlets also suggests a shift in Paris's stance. The United States, too, has criticized the election postponement. ECOWAS has condemned the delay and urged the restoration of the electoral calendar.

Amnesty law

President Macky Sall has tasked Justice Minister Aïssata Tall Sall with drafting an amnesty law concerning the events of March 2021 and June 2023, aiming to ease the socio-political climate and strengthen democracy ahead of upcoming elections. This move appears to be aimed at fostering reconciliation on the part of the Executive, particularly concerning detained opposition figure Ousmane Sonko and his supporters, local media Senego reported. Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party, faces serious charges including inciting insurrection and endangering public security.

Diaspora protest in Paris

Senegalese nationals from the diaspora gathered in Paris for a demonstration against President Macky Sall's perceived authoritarianism and the recent postponement of the presidential election. Despite the rain, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 protesters voiced their discontent, criticizing Sall's leadership with signs reading "Macky Sall is a security danger" and "Senegal under dictatorship." Some chants targeted both Sall and French President Macron, accusing the latter of complicity, local media Walf Net reported.

Les Margaret Prize

Senegal celebrates the achievements of two remarkable women, Aissatou Ami Touré and Seynabou Kâne, who have been named finalists in the prestigious Les Margaret "Championing Women" Prize in Africa. Aissatou Ami Touré, serving as the general manager of Yassir's Senegalese subsidiary, has been recognized for her innovative solutions in inclusive finance, aimed at enhancing mobility and optimizing transportation and food expenses. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Seynabou Kâne has impressed the judges with her project "Mbal-IT Connect," which utilizes artificial intelligence and visual recognition to automate household waste sorting processes, reports local media APS. The Les Margaret Prize honours women entrepreneurs in the digital sector. Each year, the prize recognizes women whose projects and innovations address society's most pressing challenges.

Tinubu’s meeting postponed

The anticipated visit of Bola Tinubu, the President of Nigeria and head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), slated for February 12, 2024, has been postponed indefinitely, reports local media Walf Net. Originally planned for this February 12 afternoon, the meeting between Tinubu and President Macky Sall was anticipated amidst the ongoing tension in Senegal following the controversial decision to postpone the presidential election from February 25 to December 15.