Until the revival of the conflict between the government and the separatist Movement of Democratic Casamance, Senegal had been one of the more politically stable countries in the region. Freedom of expression has, however, recently been limited, in particular in the period prior to the February 2007 general election. Human rights defenders have reportedly been subjected to judicial harassment, arbitrary arrests, intimidation and death threats, surveillance, aggression and stigmatization. Journalists and other human rights defenders critical of the government report they have been targeted.

Human rights defenders who signed a declaration advocating civil resistance for the safeguarding of institutions in Senegal were reportedly subjected to threats and intimidation. Journalists accusing the government of anti-democratic practices were allegedly subjected to intimidation by administration officials.