In Senegal, the marches announced Tuesday, February 13, by a citizen collective against the postponement of the election, were finally postponed. Last Friday and Saturday, three people were killed during demonstrations in Saint-Louis, Dakar, and Ziguinchor. In this city in the south of the country, a night vigil was organized Tuesday evening in tribute to young Landing Camara – known as Diedhiou –, 16, who died on February 10 during clashes with the police.
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With our special correspondent in Ziguinchor, Charlotte Idrac
Under an acacia tree, in the so-called “Grand Dakar” district where Landing Camara, alias Diedhiou, lived, around fifty people are gathered with candles. Friends, neighbors and representatives of the town hall managed by the ex-Pastef de opponent Ousmane Sonko.
Atab Touré came in memory of his “ spiritual brother “, he said: “ Yes, I know him well. We pray together every day in the same mosque. You see the neighborhood, it’s dark and despite everything, we took the risk to come here, to support each other. Killing teenagers hurts my heart “, he confides.
Recollection, but also anger after these new deadly violence. The high school student was 16 years old: “ Even if they participate in the march, they leave and return in peace. For what do not allow walks ? We don’t even have the words, we can’t understand… » The mobilization planned for Tuesday February 13 was finally banned by the prefect from Dakarand once again, access to mobile internet has been restricted by the authorities.
“In Senegalese justice, we have confidence »
A few meters away, in the family home, the victim’s parents are preparing the burial: “ Here, we have all the papers, we are preparing some for Thursday. »
Mamadou Diedhiou introduces himself as “the grandfather” of the young man. The authorities have not communicated on the circumstances of his death, and the investigations into the victims of the unrest which has shaken the country since March 2021 have not been concluded, but the dean nevertheless says “ confident “.
“ If it is necessary to file a complaint, there is the lawyer who must speak, and we are calm. They will shed light on all this. We have confidence in Senegalese justice “, he assures. The Djignabo high school where Landing Diedhiou studied has remained closed since his death.
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