Senegal Releases Government Opponents

Several government opponents were released from prison in Senegal, two lawyers said, amid a political crisis that has gripped the country since the presidential election was delayed.

Some move by President Macky Sall to appease public opinion had been expected after deadly protests and international concern erupted following his decision earlier this month to delay the election slated for February 25.

Three people have been killed during demonstrations, with security forces repressing attempts to mobilize.

Opposition and civil society groups have issued new calls for demonstrations.

A peaceful march organized by a civil society collective is planned.

A list of several released opponents was given by another lawyer, Moussa Sarr.

The list included Aliou Sane, the coordinator of the citizens' opposition movement "Y'en a marre", Djamil Sane, the mayor of a Dakar neighborhood, and several members of the dissolved opposition party Pastef -- which is headed by opposition figurehead Ousmane Sonko.

Since the beginning of the week, Dakar's political circles have been buzzing with talk of an amnesty that would wipe out offenses committed during unrest since March 2021 that has left dozens dead and seen hundreds arrested.

Sall, who has been in power since 2012, sparked uproar on February 3 when he called off the elections over disputes about the disqualification of potential candidates and concern about a repeat of the unrest seen in 2021 and 2023.

Parliament backed Sall's suspension of the election until December 15, but only after security forces stormed the building and removed some opposition lawmakers who opposed the bill.

The vote paved the way for Sall -- whose second term was due to expire in April -- to remain in office until a successor is installed, probably not until 2025.