Senegal has been a bastion of democracy in Africa, but that could change after a series of parliamentary moves caused riots to break out across the country, putting Senegal's democracy in peril. 

Outgoing President Macky Sall announced a unilateral decree to postpone the country's presidential elections. Senegal's National Assembly on Monday officially bumped the date from Feb. 25 to Dec. 15 to investigate the "disqualification of some candidates and allegations of corruption," The Associated Press said. 

The postponement incited a wave of protests and violence in Dakar, with Sall now expected to stay in office until the new election — far past when his term is set to expire. Is the move an attempted coup foreshadowing the end of democracy in Senegal?

Senegal 'hangs by a thread'
The news has "sparked a constitutional crisis and dealt a blow to democracy across West Africa," The Economist said. It comes as a shock in a country that has "avoided civil wars and coups and has held a series of largely peaceful and democratic transitions of power."

Even more surprising is that Sall has "played a leading role" across West Africa to "push juntas back toward democracy," the outlet continued. However, his message has been "undermined by a sharp decline in freedom in Senegal."

Another worrying sign: Senegal has been "[clamping] down on the internet in a new wave of shutdowns," Chiara Castro said at Tech Radar, often a sign of withering of press freedoms. As a result, there has been a "350% increase in VPN sign-ups." This might indicate that "citizens are preparing for future censorship."

Mixed feelings
Sall's move was "well received by the former ruling Democratic Party whose presidential candidate is Karim Wade," Africanews said. Many of Wade's supporters were seen "celebrating the postponement."

Sall's spokesperson Yoro Dia said the postponement was necessary because of corruption. "Sall is to be congratulated on having taken his responsibilities to save our democracy from a Watergate," Dia told The Washington Post.

There is a sense of frustration "among residents who said they felt betrayed by their government," Mamadou Coulibaly and Rachel Chason said in the Post. However, the situation is also "likely to further reveal African voters' deepening dissatisfaction with democracy," Ken Opalo said for Bloomberg.

A man jumps over a pile of burning tires during a protest for the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Odelyn Joseph / AP

Packing the right bag for a trip is almost as important as remembering to bring your passport. Which bag to bring depends on where you are going and what is on the agenda. These three bags are ready for takeoff. 

Stoney Clover Lane Clear Fanny Pack ($108)
Stadiums and concert venues often require a clear bag for entrance. The Stoney Clover Lane clear fanny pack requires minimal space in your suitcase and will free up your hands so you can carry the important accessories at the venue, like a giant pretzel and $50 beer. The fanny pack can be worn around the waist or as a cross-body bag, fits a phone, wallet, keys and sunglasses.

Nordace Siena Backpack ($110)
This is one smart bag. The Nordace Siena has a USB charging port, a fleece-lined pocket for glasses, padded sleeve for laptops and tablets, and an outer pocket that can hold a water bottle or umbrella. There is also a hidden back pocket to tuck away valuables. (Take that, would-be thieves!) The bag comes in a variety of colors, including a dusty baby pink and light aqua.  

Away Everywhere Bag ($195)
The aptly named Everywhere works in all situations. Bring it on a plane as your personal item (it fits under the seat), then use it as a daily bag at your destination. The highlight of this water-resistant bag is its full wraparound zip opening, which makes it easy to grab items and see what's what.