Senegal: the opposition coalition demonstrates against the trial of its leader Ousmane Sonko
Hundreds of supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko gathered in Dakar on March 14, 2023. © ZOHRA BENSEMRA / REUTERS
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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.
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With our correspondent in Dakar,
Charlotte Idrac
“
Gatsa Gatsa
”, translation: “
An eye for an eye, a 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 an “
instrumentalization of justice
”: “
There is a justice of two weights, two measures,
the trial for defamation
, it's just a joke.
In 2024, Ousmane Sonko, we will bring it to the palace
”, believes this woman.
"
No to the 3rd term
" on a sign
On a sign: "
no to the 3rd term
", while President Macky Sall maintains the vagueness on a new candidacy.
“
No one may serve more than two consecutive terms.
Seven years plus five years, that's two
[terms]
, it's over for him
!
shouts a protester.
Ismaila denounces a “
democratic retreat
” to him: “
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
," says 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.
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