President Macky Sall is expected to address the people of Senegal, and by extension, the world, today, July 3, 2023, on his intention or otherwise of extending his term in office beyond its constitutional limit.
Given the recent carnage on the streets of Dakar and the lingering prospect for further destruction of lives and property, it is imperative that President Sall uses this rare opportunity to de-escalate the situation and begin to restore confidence in Senegal’s democratic systems.
The implosion in Senegal is coming on the back of a continuing assault on democracy in the sub-region following the recently botched elections in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Senegal’s leadership is now more than ever needed, given its strategic role in the Senegambian enclave and its leadership in the French-speaking parts of Africa. A Senegal engulfed in civil strife will significantly weaken the capacity of the government to build on its social and economic investments and respond to security threats in the region.
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