In Senegal, a large opposition rally, authorized by the prefecture, was held on Tuesday March 14 at the call of the Yewwi Askan Wi coalition, before the defamation trial of Ousmane Sonko, scheduled for Thursday. This procedure could block his path for the presidential election of February 2024.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
“ gatsa gatsa “, translation : ” Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, the law of retaliation ! This is the slogan of the demonstrators.
In the crowd gathered on a sports field in the municipality of Parcelles Assainies, many young people and many green-yellow-red flags in the colors of Senegal. Diodio Fall denounces a “ instrumentalization of justice “: ” There is a justice of two weights, two measures, defamation lawsuit, it’s just a joke. In 2024, Ousmane Sonko, we will bring it to the palace “, thinks this woman knows.
“ No to 3rd term » on a sign
On a sign: no to 3rd term “, while President Macky Sall maintains the vagueness on a new candidacy. ” No one may exercise more than two consecutive mandates. Seven years plus five years is two [mandats]it’s over for him ! shouts a protester.
Ismaila denounces him a ” democratic backsliding “: ” Many demonstrations are prohibited. It is a constitutional right. So the people must stand up to say no. »
The opposition intends to maintain the pressure. Marches are also announced for this Wednesday in the country. Will they be allowed? ” Senegal is a country of freedoms “, assures the government spokesman, Abdou Karim Fofana.
While power and opposition accuse each other of raising tensions, religious leaders and civil society are trying to call for dialogue.