Thousands Riot In Senegal, Government Deploys Troops and APC's

Senegal is a small country in Western Africa, and has somewhat been called one of the most stable and democratic countries in the area.

www.reuters.com...

(Reuters) - Senegal deployed extra troops at ministry buildings, armored personnel carriers near the presidential palace and at least one helicopter gunship in the capital Dakar on Wednesday after riots over lengthy power cuts.

Many Dakar homes and businesses have been without electricity for more than 30 hours, catalyzing anti-government sentiment. Overnight, demonstrators burned tires and ransacked the offices of state electricity company Senelec and ministers' homes.

The latest protests have been over power-cuts, but there have been a few others that have erupted within the past week.

Riots erupted last week after President Abdoulaye Wade's tried to alter the constitution in a way his rivals said would make it easier for him to get re-elected in February.

Senegal has earned a reputation as West Africa's most stable and democratic country but is seeing rising public frustration over backsliding public services, particularly in power generation, since Wade took power in 2000.

news.yahoo.com...

This article says government buildings were also destroyed in the latest protests

Angry mobs attacked and destroyed government buildings across the city Monday, including the national electricity company's offices.

Police have been using tear gas and water cannons, and so far there are no reports of anyone injured.

Hopefully this dosent turn into another Ivory Coast.

reply to post by buni11687


Privatization has caused major issues in the country, including "deep-seated[citation needed] urban problems of chronic high unemployment, socioeconomic disparity, and juvenile delinquency[citation needed]."

The private sector accounts for 82% of the GDP, it seems the wealth is being controlled by the elite, this is the same throughout Africa, also US has a very close relationship with the Senegal government, I wonder how this will turn out.

Originally posted by buni11687
Police have been using tear gas and water cannons, and so far there are no reports of anyone injured.

This part sparked a thought and this reply.

Don't you find the irony in it all when these countries go through some sort of civil or political upheaval? The unrest usually stems from lack of support or funding for one thing or another. The gov always cries poor but notice 1 common thing......they ALWAYS have water cannons, armored cars and anti-riot gear available.

lol. That's my cynical thought for this Tuesday