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Can Senegal’s democracy hang on?

Macky Sall’s attempt to postpone elections has thrown the country into turmoil.

Senegal has a reputation as being a beacon of stability in West Africa. Even (whisper it) a bit boring when it comes to politics - but in the last few months all that has changed.

Senegal was supposed to hold a presidential election in February but that hasn’t happened and no new date has been set. Critics of the current president, Macky Sall, say they’re worried he’s trying to stay on for a third term - which is prohibited under the country’s constitution. Young protestors have been out on the streets, they don’t think they’re getting enough opportunities and are worried that if the chance to vote is taken away then nothing is going to change.

The Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s West Africa Correspondent Mayeni Jones helps us take a complicated situation back to basics and explains why what happens in Senegal might have big consequences for the entire region.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Beverly Ochieng
Producer: Alex Rhodes
Editors: Simon Peeks

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12 minutes

Last on

Thu 7 Mar 2024 03:50GMT
Â鶹ԼÅÄ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

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  • Thu 7 Mar 2024 03:50GMT
    Â鶹ԼÅÄ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

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