STATEMENT AND CALL FOR ACTION
BY THE AFRICAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION OF AFRICA
ON THE POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS AND THE UNREST IN SENEGAL
Wednesday 14 February 2024
- The African Studies Association of Africa (ASAA) is a membership-organization of scholars, practitioners and activists of the African continent and her Diaspora. https://www.as-aa.org
- The African Studies Association of Africa is deeply concerned by the postponement of elections in Senegal, the ensuing unrest and the death recorded during protests as a result of this unfortunate decision.
- As a Pan-African organization invested in the wellbeing of African peoples worldwide and the stability of the continent, we unreservedly condemn this act to disrupt the democratic dispensation in Senegal. We have for long upheld Senegal as an example of democratic modeling on the continent.
- We are particularly worried about the ramifications of this regressive measure, affecting not just the Senegalese people, but many communities across the continent and globally, who have viewed Senegal as an inspiration of good governance.
- This is part of a disturbing trend of betraying people’s trust and breaking the social contract that we have observed.
- We are perturbed by the impact of this situation on the academic project in Senegal.
- We wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured, and offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in the recent protests.
- We call on the Senegalese authorities to take urgent steps immediately to restore normalcy.
- We also call on the African Union, ECOWAS and other international stakeholders to facilitate, without delay, a pathway to peace and stability in Senegal.