SPECIAL REPORT: COUNTING THE COST OF SENEGAL’S STREET PROTESTS AND PROPERTY DAMAGE

   Mon, 19 June 2023

Even while street protests and riots have not recurred since the 1-3 June outbreak of unrest, the prospect of more violence is highly probable in coming months. Senegal’s main opposition leader has not yet been arrested, which remains a key trigger for resumption of protests, while non-political activist groups are joining the opposition’s cause. Moreover, the suspected mobilisation of “agents provocateurs” alongside state security forces raises the prospect of more heavy-handed repression of protesters. Meanwhile, an assessment of the June protests, shows that arson, looting, and vandalism attacks have targeted French commercial assets, essential infrastructure, and symbolic locations.