A political opponent and announced candidate for the 2024 presidential election was taken into custody on Friday December 15. Moussa Diop, former head of the presidential coalition who moved to the opposition, was charged with, among other things, “offending the head of state”, “acts or maneuvers likely to compromise public security or cause serious political unrest”, “spreading false news” and “defamation” after denouncing diamond mining exploration contracts.
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With our correspondent in Dakar, Théa Ollivier
Everything happened really fast. During a press conference last Sunday, political opponent Moussa Diop denounced the authorization for exploration of diamond mines in the north of the country which involves the president Macky Sall, the former Minister of Mines Aly Ngouille Ndiaye – also a candidate for the 2024 presidential election – and the famous businessman Jean-Claude Mimran. Allegations denied by the authorities and the two other parties involved.
The next day, Moussa Diop was arrested and placed under arrest last Friday for six charges. Although the allegations may not to be proven », Seydi Gassama, executive director of Amnesty International Senegaldeplores his detention.
According to him, “ the government took the opportunity to send to prison a presidential candidate who is not particularly dangerous but who is very critical “. And with this case, he sends a message to the other candidates: “ if they adopt the same attitude, they can end up in prison “.
In a press release, the Ministry of Mines and Geology made it clear that “ Senegal is part of a process of transparency and good governance of mineral resources » and that only two diamond prospecting permits are valid in the south-east of the country, “ inconclusive » obtained for the moment. “ No other diamond mining title has been issued to any entity », Continues the ministry.