Senegal : ECOWAS and its policy of double standards – no sanctions for president Macky Sall’s constitutional coup
Tensions erupt in Dakar following the announcement of the postponement of the presidential election by Senegalese President Macky Sall, leading to clashes between law enforcement and protesters. Despite this situation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seems to adopt an ambiguous approach by not imposing any sanctions on President Macky Sall for what is being referred to as a « constitutional coup ».
On Sunday in Dakar, hundreds of people demonstrate against the rescheduling of the presidential election initially set for February 25. Law enforcement disperses the crowd using tear gas, sparking violent clashes.
Some candidates, including Daouda Ndiaye, denounce police brutality and arrests by law enforcement. Protesters express their opposition to the « constitutional coup » orchestrated by Macky Sall, labeling the postponement of the presidential election as an act of usurpation.
In the face of this situation, ECOWAS, a regional organization of which Senegal is a member, adopts an ambiguous stance, refraining from imposing sanctions on President Macky Sall, unlike in the cases of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
This situation highlights ECOWAS’s policy of double standards , as despite its stated concerns, it abstains from sanctioning the Senegalese President for his controversial actions. ECOWAS’s lack of a firm response raises questions about the consistency of its commitment to the democracy it advocates and stability in the region.
