Senegal’s crisis response may heighten tensions

Significance

This comes despite increasing cases of COVID-19 cases nationwide, with the government forced this week to postpone the planned return of school students after ten teachers tested positive. Despite the relaxations, a state of emergency remains in place, which President Macky Sall appears to be using to his advantage to stifle dissent.

Impacts

• Domestic concern will build over a possible third term bid by Sall.
• The country’s first exports of oil, originally scheduled for 2022, now face likely delays.
• Improving bilateral relations with neighbouring states bodes well for deep-sea, cross-border oil exploration.