With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac reported on a march in Dakar that took place on Wednesday, March 29, in anticipation of Ousmane Sonko’s trial for defamation of the Minister of Tourism. Demonstrations were planned in the 46 departments of the country on Thursday, March 30, with mobilizations on April 3 before the national holiday. This was the action plan announced on Friday, March 24, by the leaders of Yewwi Askan Wi, in the absence of Ousmane Sonko.
According to Déthié Fall, one of the leaders of the coalition, “the ultimate goal” is “the departure of President Macky Sall on February 25, 2024, and the participation of all the candidates” in the election. Yewwi Askan Wi also denounces arbitrary arrests after the clashes that happened last week in connection with the Ousmane Sonko trial. This includes the arrest of El Malick Ndiaye, head of communication for the Pastef party, for spreading fake news according to his lawyer and Doctor Babacar Niang, head of the clinic where Ousmane Sonko had been hospitalized for five days.
The power is also determined in this showdown. In the Council of Ministers, President Macky Sall called for measures to ensure the absolute security of people and property, mentioning the imperative to preserve democratic gains and public order. At the same time, approximately sixty political organizations from the opposition and civil society created a platform for the defense of democratic gains and against a candidacy of the Head of State for a third term.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
A march in Dakar, Wednesday March 29, on the eve of Ousmane Sonko’s trial for defamation of the Minister of Tourism. Demonstrations ” in the 46 departments of the country on Thursday March 30, and mobilizations on April 3, before the national holiday. This is the action plan announced on Friday March 24 by the leaders of Yewwi Askan Wi, in the absence of Ousmane Sonko.
« The ultimate goal “, according to Déthié Fall, one of the leaders of the coalition, ” it is the departure of President Macky Sall on February 25, 2024, and the participation of all the candidates in the election.
Yewwi Askan Wi also denounces arrests “ arbitrary » after the clashes happened last week, in connection with the trial of Ousmane Sonko. This is particularly the case of El Malick Ndiaye, head of communication for the Pastef party, for ” spreading fake news according to his lawyer and Doctor Babacar Niang, head of the clinic where Ousmane Sonko had been hospitalized for five days.
Creation of a platform
In this showdown, the power is also determined. In the Council of Ministers this week, President Macky Sall called for ” measures to ensure the absolute security of people and property “, by mentioning ” the imperative to preserve democratic gains and public order ».
At the same time, some sixty political organizations from the opposition and civil society have announced the creation of a platform ” for the defense of democratic gains “, and against a candidacy of the Head of State for a third term.
The political tensions in Senegal show no signs of easing as opposition groups continue to challenge the government’s actions. Yewwi Askan Wi has announced plans for demonstrations across the country, demanding the departure of President Macky Sall and the participation of all candidates in future elections. The government, on the other hand, is calling for measures to maintain public order and preserve democratic gains. As the trial of Ousmane Sonko begins, the situation remains highly volatile, with both sides committed to their respective goals. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of Senegal’s democracy.