Senegal: the victory of the Teranga Lions puts political conflicts on hold
Senegalese President Macky Sall talks to Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly as he greets the Senegal national football team on their arrival after their African Cup victory, at Leopold Sedar Senghor Airport, Dakar, Senegal on February 7, 2022. REUTERS - ZOHRA BENSEMRA
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
After the victory of the Teranga Lions at the African Cup of Nations football (CAN), the players were to be received this Tuesday, February 8 at the Presidency of the Republic in Dakar.
In addition to the festive side, the return of the Senegalese selection to the country has political repercussions, since the Head of State Macky Sall invited the entire political class on Monday to celebrate their arrival at the capital's airport.
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It's a stunning image that was broadcast live on national television and on the presidency's social media channels on Monday.
In a warm atmosphere, political leaders from different sides met in the presidential lounge at Yoff airport, awaiting
the triumphant arrival of the national team
, putting all political disputes on hold.
Around Macky Sall in particular, the new mayor of Dakar Barthélémy Dias, and the former leader of the capital, Khalifa Sall were present.
“
These lions deserve our support, to honor them and to be with them.
It is a communion in which we cannot not participate
, ”said the former aedile of the capital.
“This victory is that of the people”
Opponent Ousmane Sonko, traveling in the region, was not present for this popular celebration, but he sent representatives of his party and posted a message on social networks, in which he "
heartily thanks the president for this invite
”.
“
I congratulate him on this victory which he so desired and for which he worked a lot.
I reiterate our joy, our recognition, our pride, our thanks and our congratulations to the players and all the staff of the team
”, adds the leader of the opposition coalition
Yewwi Askan Wi
.
In his speech at the airport, Macky Sall for his part declared: “
There is no government, no opposition.
This victory is that of the people.
Political rivalry, we must put it aside, celebrate the final, then we can descend into the political arena.
»
The next electoral deadline will be the legislative elections which will be held next July.
► Also to listen
: A human tide receives the Teranga Lions in Dakar after their triumph at the CAN
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