This Thursday, June 1 is expected the judgment of Ousmane Sonko in his trial for rape charges. The opponent is still blocked at his home in Dakar by the police who crisscross the neighborhood. After a series of incidents in the capital in recent days, this legal meeting raises fears of tension. It is in this tense political context that President Macky Sall launched the “national dialogue” on Wednesday, rejected by several opposition leaders, in particular Ousmane Sonko.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
“ There is no taboo, there is no forbidden subject “Assured President Macky Sall at the opening of the ceremony at the Palace of the Republic. ” The disso (exchange, in Wolof) is part of our socio-cultural heritage “. And the presidential election of February 2024 “ stands out as a subject of dialogue according to the Head of State. ” The government will take all necessary measures to organize a peaceful, democratic, free and transparent election. »
While the political climate is tense, The State is and will remain standing to protect the nation, the Republic and its institutions also affirmed the president. “ This dialogue must mark our individual and collective commitment to revive the values that underpin our living together in peace. Adhering to these values means banishing physical and verbal violence, hate speech and stigma. »
In the opposition, Khalifa Sall – declared candidate for the presidential election, but who remains ineligible for the time being, immediately addressed the points that annoy. ” Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Chairman, I am a member of what you call the radical opposition. The question of the third term and the participation of all the candidates in the next presidential election must be on the menu of this meeting, as well as the question of sponsorships “, he says.
On the side of the PDS of former President Abdoulaye Wade, his representative Nafissatou Diallo once again mentioned the request for a review of the trial of Karim Wade. Among the other personalities present, Idrissa Seck – who recently left the presidential coalition – and Moustapha Niasse, former president of the Assembly, responsible for leading the debates.
The F24 vital forces platform which was to organize its own “ people’s dialogue was prevented from doing so, according to one of its officials. Law enforcement had barricade » the headquarters of the Grand Party where the meeting was to be held.
In addition, three former Prime Ministers – Mamadou Lamine Loum, Abdoul Mbaye and Aminata Touré – have made public a letter addressed to Macky Sall, in which they call on the Head of State to clearly announce that he will not be a candidate for the next presidential.
The publication of the mail intervenes only now because we had kept hope of a @Macky_Sall become aware of the risks it poses to our country. Let’s hope he can hear the advice we gave him when he declares himself available for dialogue. pic.twitter.com/2r6rcfXJ9X
— Abdoul MBAYE (@AbdoulMBAYE2019) May 31, 2023
>> To read also: Senegal: launch of the national dialogue in a climate of political tensions