Clashes between security forces and protesters have erupted in Senegal's capital and various cities, marking the first widespread unrest over the postponement of the country's presidential election, raising concerns about potential prolonged instability.

In Dakar, police in riot gear deployed tear gas, stun grenades, and seemingly rubber bullets against large crowds burning tires and throwing stones, Reuters reported.

Opposition leader Khalifa Sall reported the death of a student in the northern city of Saint-Louis. It is worth noting the student's university representative did not respond to requests for comment, as per media reports.

“The hearts of all democrats bleed at this outburst of clashes provoked by the unjustified halting of the electoral process,” said Sall, who has characterized current events as an “institutional coup”.

The big picture

With less than three weeks before the scheduled February 25 vote, the parliament's decision to postpone it until December sparked worries amid authorities in coup-prone West Africa.

In Dakar, protesters expressed their discontent by waving Senegalese flags and chanting slogans, with some labeling President Macky Sall as a "dictator". Clashes between demonstrators and police were reported in various locations, including Touba city in central Senegal, Thies city, east of Dakar, the northern city of Richard Toll, and Kolda in the south, as reported by residents and social media posts.

President Macky Sall said the vote was prompted by a disagreement over the candidate list.

#Senegal has been witnessing clashes that have claimed the lives of at least 15 people so far.

What is happening in the West #African nation? pic.twitter.com/AWVgfmtyc2

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 4, 2023

Certain critics assert that the incumbent President is attempting to hold onto power. The bill to postpone the election received the approval of 105 legislators in the 165-seat assembly on Monday, following the intervention of security forces that disrupted an attempt by a faction of opposition members to obstruct the vote.

Small-scale protests outside the parliament were dispersed using tear gas. Subsequently, thirty-nine lawmakers affiliated with the opposition coalition Yewwi Askan Wi and several candidates running for the presidential position from the opposition have filed legal challenges with the constitutional court.

Read more: Senegal's main opposition candidate sidelined from presidential race