African Union Urges Senegal to Promptly Organize Presidential Election

DAKAR – In the wake of disturbances triggered by the delay of the presidential election in Senegal, the African Union has called on the nation’s authorities to expedite the electoral process.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Moussa Faki Mahamat, President of the African Union Commission, has appealed to Senegal’s relevant national bodies to schedule the elections at the earliest opportunity, emphasizing the importance of transparency, peace, and national harmony. This statement comes after President Macky Sall, whose term concluded on April 2, declared a deferral of the elections. He justified the postponement by citing the need for a parliamentary commission of inquiry to evaluate constitutional judges, who are under scrutiny for dismissing valid candidacies.

The deferral announcement led to riots in Dakar, culminating in arrests on Sunday, as covered by various media outlets. Expressing his concern, Mahamat strongly advocated for all political and social factions in Senegal to seek resolution to any political disagreements through peaceful consultation, understanding, and dialogue. He underscored the necessity of adhering to the rule of law principles, highlighting Senegal’s long-standing tradition of democratic governance.