Protests in Dakar

I don't know how much of a splash this made in American news but there have been large, violent riots in most of the regional capitals in Senegal. I'm alright - I didn't see anything in Bambey today - and as far as I can tell, my friends are also all safe. The protests were over a change to the constitution that the President ended up withdrawing because of the reaction.

I don't really want to comment on my blog other than to say we're fine and I think Peace Corps has handled this situation really well. I know Peace Corps internationally has been hit hard for their safety practices so I think this is a good time to say that all I know if Peace Corps Senegal and, from what I've seen and how they responded today, I feel safe.

Here are some articles about the riots and constitution changes:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13895089

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/23/us-senegal-protests-idUSTRE75M6G020110623

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/06/23/6925742-protests-erupt-over-constitution-changes-in-senegal

KO