Outbreak of Clashes Persists as Election Delay Sparks Unrest in Senegal

Violent protests have erupted in Senegal following the postponement of presidential elections, spreading across the country and resulting in the first fatality. A student was killed during clashes with police in the city of Saint-Louis. In the capital, Dakar, security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds. The elections, originally scheduled for 25 February, were delayed until 15 December by MPs. President Macky Sall had previously suspended the polls indefinitely, claiming it was necessary to resolve a dispute over the eligibility of presidential candidates. Lawmakers later extended Sall's mandate by 10 months. Critics argue that Senegal's reputation as a democratic stronghold in an unstable region is at stake. Opposition leader Khalifa Sall referred to the election delay as a "constitutional coup". The death of the student in Saint-Louis was confirmed by Khalifa Sall and a local hospital source speaking anonymously. The Senegalese authorities have not yet made a public statement on the matter. Last weekend, mass protests erupted in the country, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Dakar. While President Sall claims he will not run for office again, his critics accuse him of attempting to hold onto power or unfairly influencing his successor. The Constitutional Council, which determines the eligibility of candidates, excluded several individuals from the final list of 20 candidates. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has called on Senegal's political leaders to urgently restore the electoral calendar in line with the constitution. Senegal is widely regarded as one of the most stable democracies in the region, having experienced peaceful transfers of power and never postponing a presidential election.