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Senegal is actually considered a stable democracy in a West African neighborhood marked by upheavals. But the sudden cancellation of the February elections is now causing concern.

Following the short-term cancellation of elections in Senegal, the African Union (AU) has expressed concern about developments in the West African country. AU Secretary-General Mousa Faki Mahamat called on authorities in a statement in Addis Ababa to organize transparent and peaceful elections as soon as possible.

The political situation in the country, considered a model democracy, cannot leave any African indifferent, Mahamat said. He strongly encourages all political and social forces to resolve all disputes through consultation, understanding and dialogue – in strict accordance with the principles of the rule of law, he said on Sunday.

Senegalese President Macky Sall postponed the elections, which were due to take place on February 23, indefinitely at short notice over the weekend. In a statement, he referred to investigations into allegations of corruption in the drawing up of candidate lists. Following the cancellation, there were opposition protests in the capital Dakar, which police dispersed with tear gas.

The EU and the West African community of states ECOWAS also reacted with concern to the cancellation of the elections in Senegal.

The country of 17 million people was previously considered a stable democracy in West Africa, which has recently seen repeated upheavals and unrest. (saw/sda/dpa)