Senegal battles first major wave of protests over poll postponement

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Demonstrators protest against the postponement of the February 25 presidential election in Dakar, Senegal on February 9, 2024. PHOTO | REUTERS

Clashes between security forces and protesters on Friday gripped Senegal's capital and other cities, the first widespread unrest over the delay of a presidential election that many fear could lead to protracted instability.

Less than three weeks before the February 25 vote, parliament voted to push it back to December, sealing an extension of President Macky Sall's mandate that has raised concerns that one of the remaining democracies in coup-hit West Africa is under threat.