The main coalition of the Senegalese opposition Yewwi Askan Wi is launching a new call to demonstrate on Wednesday June 29, to protest against the rejection of its national list led by Ousmane Sonko for the legislative elections, set for July 31. On June 17, the mobilization had been prohibited by the administrative authorities, then was at the origin of clashes with the police causing three deaths, in Dakar and in Casamance. Amnesty International calls on the Senegalese authorities to respect the right to demonstrate.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
Authorization or not, mobilization will take place “, had warned Yewwi Askan Wi. During the last gathering on June 17the prefect of Dakar had banned the demonstration because of ” threat of public disorder “, and of ” violation of the electoral code “, which prohibits any ” disguised propaganda » during the pre-campaign period
The context this Wednesday has not changed. In a press release published on Tuesday 28 June, Amnesty International warns against ” a real threat to the right to demonstrate in Senegal “. The organization calls on the authorities to guarantee the right to peaceful assembly enshrined in the constitution “, and also denounces” arbitrary arrests “.
Several opposition leaders arrested for defying the ban on demonstrations – including MPs Déthié Fall and Mame Diarra Fam, and the mayor of Guédiawaye Ahmed Aïdara – were finally released on Monday 27 June. Guy Marius Sagna, head of the list Yewwi Askan Wi in the department of Ziguinchor in Casamance, was tried on Tuesday.
On the side of the ruling coalition, Benno Bokk Yaakaar, the Council of Elders says it observes ” the rise in tension before the legislative elections, and calls on all coalitions to respect constitutional legality », and to « ban all forms of political violence “.
In a manifesto, some fifty academics warn of ” failure of the authorities to apply the law “.
Ousmane Sonko announced on Tuesday June 28 evening “ A declaration from the leaders of Yewwi Askan Wi on Wednesday.
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