On February 5, 2024, the deputies of Macky Sall’s majority adopted a constitutional bill aimed at derogating from the provisions of article 31 of the Constitution. This controversial act led to the postponement of the presidential elections, initially scheduled for February 25, 2024, to December 15, 2024. This decision, perceived as a power grab, had dramatic consequences for the country.
The postponement of the elections was not without consequences. Months of tensions had already shaken Senegal, provoking violent demonstrations and brutal repression. The toll is heavy: dozens of deaths and injuries, and a climate of increased mistrust towards institutions. The country came close to a period of lasting destabilization, threatening its democratic foundations and its social balance.
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A discreet majority in the face of popular anger
Today, more than ten months after this episode, the Macky Sall regime and its parliamentary majority seem to be keeping a low profile. Civil society and citizens remain marked by this event, which left deep scars. This coup revealed the fragility of institutions and the ability of leaders to prioritize their personal interests to the detriment of national stability. If Senegal avoided the worst, it is thanks to the resilience of its population. However, the trauma remains, and trust in the political class remains at an all-time low.
A Lesson for the Future
This episode should definitely serve as a lesson. The Senegalese people, a major actor in the resistance to this crisis, have shown that democracy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambitions. It is and remains urgent for leaders to learn the lessons of this crisis and to commit to strengthening institutions to prevent such abuses from happening again. Senegal, although shaken, was able to stay on course. This dark episode reminds us that democracy is a precious asset, which must be protected with vigilance and determination.
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