Senegal: opposition coalition Yewwi Askan Wi announces new round of mobilizations

Supporters of Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko during a protest in Dakar, March 14, 2023. © Sylvain Cherkaoui / AP

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She accuses the government of using justice to dismiss the candidacy of Ousmane Sonko and forcing that of President Macky Sall for a third term. For his part, the head of state promised measures to "preserve public order".

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With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

A march in Dakar on Wednesday, March 29, on the eve of the trial of Ousmane Sonko for defamation of the Minister of Tourism. Demonstrations "in the 46 departments of the country" on Thursday, March 30, and mobilizations on April 3, before the national holiday. This is the action plan announced Friday, March 24 by Yewwi Askan Wi officials, in the absence of Ousmane Sonko.

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The ultimate goal ", according to Déthié Fall, one of the leaders of the coalition, "it is the departure of President Macky Sall on February 25, 2024, and the participation of all candidates" in the election.

Yewwi Askan Wi also denounced the "arbitrary" arrests after last week's clashes in connection with the trial of Ousmane Sonko. This is particularly the case of El Malick Ndiaye, head of communication for the Pastef party, for "spreading false news" according to his lawyer and Dr. Babacar Niang, boss of the clinic where Ousmane Sonko had been hospitalized for five days.

Creating a platform

In this tug-of-war, the authorities are also determined. In the Council of Ministers this week, President Macky Sall called for "measures to ensure the absolute security of people and property", evoking "the imperative to preserve democratic gains and public order".

At the same time, about sixty opposition and civil society political organizations announced the creation of a platform "for the defense of democratic gains", and against a candidacy of the head of state for a third term.

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  • Senegal