Dakar, Senegal — Senegalese authorities arrested at least 14 opposition figures and civil society activists June 1, according to human rights organisations and political sources, in the most sweeping crackdown since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye took office in March 2024. Those detained include members of the former Pastef party and leaders of the Renega Pain coalition, according to a statement by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies.
The arrests come after weeks of mounting tension over the government’s handling of economic grievances and a disputed constitutional reform package that opposition groups say concentration of power in the executive. Ousmane Sonko, whose 2023 presidential candidacy triggered deadly unrest, was not among those detained but his party headquarters was sealed by police.
Government spokesperson Moustapha Ba said the arrests were carried out under existing public order law and denied any political motivation. “These individuals are not being persecuted for their opinions,” Ba told reporters in Dakar. “They are being questioned about concrete acts that violate the penal code.”
The United States embassy issued a statement calling for respect of due process, while the African Union Commission said it was following developments with “concerned attention.” France said it was in contact with the Senegalese government. The EU’s foreign policy chief said the bloc was watching “with concern” and urged respect for civil liberties.
Senegal has long been regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, but economic frustration — unemployment above 20 percent among youth — has strained the Faye government since its landslide victory. The arrests sparked immediate protests in Dakar and several other cities, where crowds gathered at major intersections and called for the release of those detained.
The next scheduled session of parliament is June 5, when the constitutional reform package is expected to face a second reading. Opposition parties have called for mass demonstrations through the weekend.