Skip to content
June 23, 2025
Trending Tags
wordpress humanrights justice activism climatechange socialjustice democracy Crackdown

Rights To All

  • news
  • United Nations
  • health
  • Arms
  • Free Speech
  • Women’s Rights
  • Torture
  • support us

Breaking News

Democracy’s Hope Rising: The Courageous Struggle of Vietnam’s Free Activists

Yemen’s Crackdown on Dissent: Injustice Continues for Human Rights Defender Fatma al-Arwali

The Healthcare Crisis in Togo: Women Forced to Give Birth on the Floor

Facing Criticism: EU’s Frontex Dragged to Court over Lack of Transparency on Libyan Cooperation

UAE’s Pledge for “Peaceful Assembly” at COP28 Masks Lack of Freedoms

Toxic Waste Tanker Blockade in Norway: A Three-Day Standoff Comes to an End

Greenpeace Takes a Stand: Blocking Equinor’s Illegal Toxic Waste Export

Russian Human Rights Defender Convicted for “Discrediting” the Armed Forces: A Blow to Freedom of Expression and Civil Liberties

Rising Cases of Women in Egypt Facing Abuse and Stigma Over Alleged Ties with ISIS

Ensuring Adequate Nutrition for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Sri Lanka’s Government must take action

 
  • Home
  • 2023
  • June
  • 6
  • Senegal’s Democracy at Risk as Government Cracks Down on Opposition and Dissent
  • United Nations

Senegal’s Democracy at Risk as Government Cracks Down on Opposition and Dissent

On 2 years Ago
Liu David
Senegal: Political Unrest and Crackdown on Dissent

Senegal, a country known for its democratic and peaceful environment, is currently facing political unrest and a crackdown on opposition and dissent. The protests erupted on May 31, 2023, after the criminal court sentenced notable opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison, accusing him of corrupting youth and undermining his chances to run in next year’s presidential election. The authorities must ensure an independent and credible investigation into the violence during protests in Dakar, across the country, release political prisoners, and guarantee freedom of assembly.

Table of Contents

  • Background Information
  • Human Rights Watch Report
    • Arbitrary Arrests, Use of Force and Internet Restrictions
  • The Way Forward
    • You might want to read !

Background Information

Since 2021, there has been unrest in Senegal linked to President Macky Sall’s silence on whether he would run for a third term in office and the court case involving Sonko. However, the current unrest witnessed seems to be the most significant in recent times, with the excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests by security forces. The opposition has accused the authorities of using armed civilians alongside the security forces during protests, and the media has also reported similar accounts during previous demonstrations. International media reported the use of live bullets during the protests in Dakar, leading to the deaths of a 15-year-old boy and a 26-year-old male student. Amnesty International, among other organizations, has called for a full investigation into the deaths caused by the protests.

Human Rights Watch Report

In a recent report by Human Rights Watch, the authorities are called upon to ensure an independent and credible investigation into the violence during protests in Dakar and across the country. At least 16 deaths have been reported, including two members of the security forces, and scores of other injuries. The government should unconditionally release all those held for peacefully expressing their political views exercising their right to freedom of assembly and end arbitrary bans on access to the internet and social media. The new developments are indeed worrying for the presidential elections scheduled for next year.

Arbitrary Arrests, Use of Force and Internet Restrictions

Since May 30th, in and around Dakar only, security forces have arrested at least 250 people, including women and children, mostly PASTEF members and supporters, but also some civil society activists, and beat some of them. Those arrested have had no access to lawyers or medical assistance, which is a human rights violation. The Senegalese media has also been suppressed, with arrests of journalists, social media restrictions, and interruptions of the internet by the government. These actions prevent journalists, human rights activists, and other people from communicating, getting information, or reporting on unfolding events. The government must respect and protect the rights of every citizen to freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association.

The Way Forward

The current situation in Senegal is a cause for concern for the country’s democracy and the well-being of its people. The ruling government is called upon to observe human rights laws, stop the use of excessive force, end all arbitrary arrests, and implement the Senegalese constitution to provide the right to freedom of expression, association, and the right to peaceful assembly. Also, the African Union and ECOWAS must use their influence to persuade the Senegalese authorities to end their repression of protests and criticism. In conclusion, the Senegalese government needs to engage all stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and address the grievances of the citizens to achieve lasting peace and progress in the country.

Senegal‘s Political Unrest-Senegal,Democracy,Government,Crackdown,Opposition,Dissent.


Senegal
<< photo by Element5 Digital >>

You might want to read !

  • The Urgent Need for International Efforts to Tackle Pakistan’s Deadly Heatwaves
  • Vietnam’s Bold Move to Release Anti-Corruption Campaigner from Jail
  • Tiananmen anniversary arrests in Hong Kong: A worsening crackdown on dissent
  • Angola’s Government Must Address the Root Causes of Street Traders’ Grievances
  • Police Brutality and Social Media Blackout: A Call for Urgent Action in Senegal
  • The Oversight of Fossil Fuels in the Plastic Treaty Negotiations
  • Outcry for Iraq to reveal fate of 643 men and boys abducted by government-linked militias
  • Costa Rica’s Urgent Need to Ban Invasive Spyware
  • Forced Relocation of Refugees, Including Children, in Malawi Raises Concerns
  • Achieving Net Zero by 2050: Why COP28 Must Prioritize Phasing Out Fossil Fuels
  • South Korea Takes a Step Forward in Marriage Equality.
  • Cambodia’s Crackdown on Labor Rights: The Conviction of Casino Union Leader Chhim Sithar and Strikers
  • “Iran’s Executions of Tortured Protesters Demand a Forceful Response from the Global Community”
In United NationsIn Crackdown , democracy , Dissent , government , opposition , Senegal

Post navigation

The Oversight of Fossil Fuels in the Plastic Treaty Negotiations
Tanzania’s Brutal Treatment of Maasai People During Forced Evictions

You May Like

  • United Nations
Patel Maya
On 2 years Ago

Bracing for Aftermath: The Urgency of Aid in Post-Earthquake Afghanistan

  • United Nations
Patel Maya
On 2 years Ago

Eswatini’s Uphill Battle: Seeking Justice for 2021 Violence

  • United Nations
Patel Maya
On 2 years Ago

The EU’s Controversial Migration Agreement: A Risky and Excessive Approach

  • United Nations
Lee Olivia
On 2 years Ago

Ethiopia’s Amhara Region: Navigating a Turbulent Storm

  • United Nations
Liu David
On 2 years Ago

Government Neglect: Report Exposes US Failure to Protect Meatpacking Workers During Pandemic

  • United Nations
Samantha Chen
On 2 years Ago

Victim-Blaming: The Disturbing Stance of a Kazakh Parliamentarian

Rights To All @ Copyright All right reserved