Senegal’s National Assembly Disrupted by Riot Police

Senegal’s National Assembly was disrupted by riot police using tear gas to disperse protesters against the postponement of the Feb. 25 presidential election. The move to extend President Macky Sall’s mandate to Aug. 25 has sparked unrest and criticism.

Lawmakers are set to debate the bill proposing the election delay, a departure from Senegal’s history of election stability. The African Union, regional bodies, and Western governments have called for a swift announcement of a new election date.

Riot police used tear gas and arrested around 100 protesters. The delay has raised concerns about violent protests, similar to those that have occurred over President Sall’s third term and opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s political sidelining. Some opposition and civil society groups have called the delay an “institutional coup.”