Distraction and frustration

The marches promised for March 19th have been taking place across the city in the approved designated areas. For the most part, the marches have been peaceful.  At one point in the Place de l'Indépendance, youth began throwing rocks at the police and surrounding buildings breaking windows and causing some damage to local stands.  The police intervened immedately, firing tear gas and dispersing the crowds.  Minutes later, people returned to the square and resumed a peaceful demonstration in favor of better living conditions, more transparency, lower food prices, electricity in their homes, and lower taxes.  The populations most affected by poorer standards of living live in the suburbs of Dakar, but several attempts during the day to organize impromptu marches in these areas were immediately put to a halt by riot police.  The right to march is guaranteed by the Senegal constitution, but the organizers must inform the government in advance of the plan to march, the route, and the duration.  I will send a final update on how the day ended.  But it looks like the demonstrations are already winding down.  Peacefully.