“The February 2024 election in Senegal is an inflection point for the country, and arguably for the region writ large. It’s a country with a rich democratic tradition and a reputation as a democratic standard bearer,” said Jeff Smith, founding director of Vanguard Africa and co-creator producer of The Resistance Bureau, in Washington DC recently. “Yet, today, there is a president laying the foundation for an unprecedented third term and a populist challenger, with clearly authoritarian instincts, that are occupying most of the headlines,” Mr Smith said.
“This has caused increasing unrest in Senegal, as well as uncertainty abroad about the country’s trajectory. That’s why it is important to effectively engage the US and the broader pro-democracy community,” said Mr Smith.
In less than 12 months, Senegal faces an important election. Mr Smith told PREMIUM TIMES why the 2024 Senegalese election is a turning point, and why the US and international community should care. “The time is now to remind these audiences — both in Senegal and outside — that there is, in fact, an adult in the room, a former Prime Minister who, many seem to forget, finished second in the last presidential election,” further describing that “Idrissa Seck is a principled, experienced politician and a committed democrat. He simply needs to remind audiences of these basic facts.”
