Press release - Elections in Senegal

The protection of civic space and fundamental rights in Senegal: A pillar for democracy and freedom of expression

23 March 2024, Dakar, Senegal - The current electoral period in Senegal is raising major concerns about the protection of civic space and fundamental rights. Despite a tense political context, marked by the Supreme Court's decision to reject the opposition parties' appeal to postpone the date of the presidential elections to 24 March 2024, the commitment to participatory and inclusive democracy remain as crucial as ever.

As Ibrahima Kane, Executive Director of CONGAD, the Conseil des ONG d'Appui au Développement, points out in Senegal, "Protecting civic space and defending human rights are essential for promoting freedom of expression and strengthening democracy. These are the foundations on which a strong and resilient nation, capable of dealing with multifaceted crises, is built".

Mbaye Sène, head of GRAIDE, the Groupe de Recherche et d'appui aux Initiatives pour le Développement Endogène, also confirms these trends: "We are witnessing a gradual erosion of our civic space, with increasing restrictions on freedom of assembly, expression and access to information. It is imperative that we strengthen our efforts to ensure that these fundamental rights are protected, particularly during this critical election period."

The internet and social media platforms play a crucial role in strengthening participatory governance, enabling wider and informed participation by the Senegalese population. These tools promote public discourse on electoral processes and candidates, and enable voters to hold governments to account.

Recent government actions that have seen internet access restricted jeopardise the fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, expression and access to information. These internet blackouts undermine human rights, exacerbate crises and hinder the flow of essential information. They also make it difficult for journalists, human rights defenders and election observers to carry out their crucial work of monitoring the elections. The #KeepItOn coalition has called on the government of Senegal to guarantee unhindered access to the internet and digital platforms throughout the upcoming election.

"While recognising the seriousness of incitement to violence and the spread of disinformation, the Senegalese authorities must stop undermining human rights by cutting off the Internet under the guise of protecting national security. Restrictions on freedom of expression must respect human rights standards; blanket Internet blackouts are a disproportionate response to these risks," said Jaimee Kokonya, Africa Campaigner at Access Now.

Senegalese civil society organisations share this concern. Malick Ndome, a spokesman for one such organisation, said: "Open and secure access to the internet is crucial for democracy and to ensure that all voices can be heard during this election period in strict compliance with the laws and regulations governing the common good and social and cultural values. This enables informed and active political participation, and helps hold governments accountable for their actions."

The recent release of opposition leaders Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye just before the elections was a moment of joy for their supporters following an amnesty law passed by the National Assembly to calm the political space. However, it also highlights the challenges facing Senegal in terms of freedom of expression and political participation. Their imprisonment had been seen by many as an attempt to limit their influence and that of their parties, underlining the risks to civic space in the country while reminding political actors of their role in educating their activists and supporters so that excesses, break-ins, destruction of other people's property and deaths can be avoided.

These issues underline the need for continued vigilance and a renewed commitment to the protection of civic space and internet access. With elections just days away, we call for the promotion of a peaceful electoral process, with respect for fundamental rights and the protection of civic space. This crucial electoral moment must be an opportunity to strengthen Senegalese democracy, ensure the inclusive participation of all and guarantee that public debate can take place in a safe and open environment.

It is imperative that all those involved - government, political parties, civil society and citizens - commit to a peaceful, transparent and fair election. Mutual respect, constructive dialogue and adherence to democratic principles are essential to navigate this critical period and to build a promising future for Senegal.

Collective efforts to preserve and expand civic space are essential to ensure inclusive political participation and respect for fundamental freedoms, which are essential to building a resilient and prosperous nation.

For further information and interview requests with civil society in Senegal, please contact: Malick Ndome (CONGAD) [email protected] or Bibbi Abruzzini (Forus) [email protected]