Saly. The serene golden beaches of Senegal’s sweeping Atlantic coast seem a far cry from deadly unrest that has rocked the country since the abrupt delay of this month’s presidential election.
But locals working in Saly, a prime tourist hotspot, are feeling the repercussions on their business.
“It’s very hard here this February. There aren’t many people around,” said Adjo Fatou Sene, 39, who sells souvenirs on the beach.
“People are afraid to come here.”
Three people have been killed in protests since President Macky Sall postponed the February 25 vote until December.
The February 3 move sparked Senegal’s worst political crisis in decades, prompted international concern as well as fears about the economy business.
The decision by the country’s Constitutional Council to overturn the vote delay will now prolong the period of uncertainty.
Normally at this time of year, Saly’s beaches are packed with European tourists searching for winter sun.
