Less than two weeks before the anticipated legislative elections in Senegal, the opposition and the government are vying for control of the National Assembly.
Violent clashes in Saint-Louis between security agents and street vendors have prompted Senegalese authorities to strengthen security measures, aiming for a peaceful electoral campaign. These incidents erupted earlier this week in the northern city of Saint-Louis, involving security agents from a political caravan and street vendors near the Sor market, located in the northern part of the commune.
According to the regional governor, Al Hassan Sall, bladed weapons were used, and multiple cases of snatch theft were reported. Law enforcement swiftly launched an investigation and arrested 81 individuals suspected of participating in the unrest.
In an official statement, the governor urged citizens and political actors to uphold a peaceful atmosphere and respect the law during this tense electoral period. "I call upon the population and all parties involved to avoid any recourse to violence to preserve the integrity of this election," he declared.
Al Hassan Sall also announced strict security measures, ordered by the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, to secure political processions and prevent clashes between rival caravans. These directives include a strict prohibition on carrying weapons.
Jean Baptiste Diouf, the Minister of the Interior, also mentioned "planned acts of violence and sabotage" targeting certain caravans and gatherings of rival lists. Although no specific individuals were named, General Tine reiterated that carrying weapons is strictly forbidden across the territory during the campaign.
The minister ordered systematic searches of individuals and caravans deemed suspicious, enforcing Decree No. 026507 of October 22, 2024, which bans the carrying of weapons and explosives until December 17, 2024. Political formations are now required to inform local administrative authorities of their routes and schedules at least 24 hours in advance to ensure better oversight.
Ousmane Sonko, who has served as Prime Minister since April, also reported incidents of violence in several locations, including Dakar, Saint-Louis, and Koungheul. He attributed these incidents to supporters of Dakar’s mayor, Barthélemy Dias, who leads a rival coalition and whose criminal record, notably a 2011 homicide conviction, had marked a period of significant political instability.
In a message posted on Facebook, Sonko reacted sharply to the attacks on his supporters, stating, "Let every assault against Pastef since the start of the campaign, every injured patriot, be avenged in proportion." This statement has sparked strong reactions, exposing the deep political divisions as the legislative elections approach.
