Coronavirus in Senegal: government measures are unanimous

Text by: RFI Follow

In Senegal, a series of five measures was put in place, Saturday March 14, by President Macky Sall, in order to fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Closure of schools and universities for three weeks, cancellation of the festivities around April 4 for the 60th anniversary of the country's independence and prohibition of "public demonstrations" in open or closed places, are among the measures announced.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Dakar, William de Lesseux

The online press, this Sunday, March 15, appreciates the strong measures wanted by President Macky Sall and echoes a political class which displays its unity behind the executive (power and opposition combined).

Regarding rallies related to religion, Macky Sall appealed on Saturday to religious guides. Thus, and since it is necessary to respect the recommendations of the government and to limit the demonstrations as much as possible, the Caliph General of the Tidianes therefore canceled the "ziarra" of the city of Tivaouane, a large gathering. The civil forum welcomes the consideration of the call of the head of state by the brotherhood.

For the moment, on the side of the mourides who rule the city of Touba, home of the epidemic, there is radio silence.

On the student side, scenes of jubilation could be observed at the University of Dakar, Saturday evening, when the measures were announced.

Finally, civil society, like the citizen movement Y'en a marre, calls for the widest respect for instructions. Nevertheless, she wonders: what about transport, a big factor of promiscuity? For the moment, nothing obliges carriers to reduce service or limit bus overload, for example.

► Read also: Coronavirus: banned public demonstrations and closed schools in Senegal

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• Senegal
• Coronavirus