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Senegal's Graffiti Artists Offer COVID-19 Information Via Murals

Annika Hammerschlag

   DAKAR, SENEGAL - In response to the growing coronavirus outbreak in
   Senegal, where as of early Wednesday morning the number of confirmed
   COVID-19 cases had climbed to 175, the government has closed the
   country's airspace and shut down restaurants, schools and even mosques.
   The president declared a state of emergency this week, imposing travel
   restrictions and a curfew of 8 p.m.

   But many people are not following recommendations to remain 2 meters
   apart and to wash hands regularly. In a country where only half the
   population is literate, how can people get the message out?

   To spread awareness, some people are getting creative.

   Alpha Sy (pronounced al-fa cee) is an art student and a member of
   Senegalese graffiti artist collective, RBS, or Radikl Bomb Shot. The
   group of about 30 artists has been creating murals around Dakar to
   illustrate proper hygiene practices and to encourage people to stay
   home and respect the curfew.

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