We start in Senegal with a human rights situation as CIVICUS adds the country to its monitor watchlist.

The research tool tracking civic spaces observed that in recent months, basic rights to assembly and expression have come under serious threat in Senegal as authorities target dissenting voices ahead of presidential elections in February 2024.

The CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist, released to coincide with the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council between 11 September – 13 October, highlights five countries at risk of a sharp downturn in civic rights and freedoms.