in Khossanto, the repression of a demonstration against a prefectural decree left two dead

2 mins

With our correspondent in Dakar, Léa-Lisa Westerhoff

At the origin of the discontent of the population of Khossanto, in the south-east of Senegal, a prefectural decree to modify the method of recruitment of local personnel by mining companies in the region. In short: rather than being chosen by a commission with village chiefs and local authorities, the prefect wanted to take the choice of unqualified personnel under his supervision. A decision raising fears of a monopolization of these positions normally exclusively intended for populations impacted by gold mining in the region.

This involves several thousand jobs, crucial in a town with more than 13,000 people.

On September 11, roads were blocked and tires burned. And, according to several witnesses, the gendarmerie opened fire, leaving 2 dead and 8 injured by bullets still hospitalized this morning.

The decree of discord was finally suspended. At midday, the Minister of the Interior and Mines was expected on site for a crisis meeting.

Several human rights organizations including the Senegalese Human Rights League, AfrikaJom Center, and the African Meeting for the Defense of Human Rights (Raddho) are calling for the opening of an independent and impartial investigation. It is not acceptable for a demonstration to be repressed with live ammunition, said Seydi Gassama of Amnesty International.

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