Highlights: President Macky Sall is to launch the "national dialogue" nine months before the presidential election scheduled for February 2024. The head of state has still not decided the debate on a possible candidacy for a third term. Part of the opposition has already refused to participate, and intends to organize its own dialogue. Initiatives in a climate of political tensions, while the judgment in the trial of the opponent Ousmane Sonko for accusations of rape is to be delivered this Thursday. "Dialogue is a tradition in Senegal," said the government spokesman, "all issues will be debated"

This Wednesday, President Macky Sall is to launch the "national dialogue", nine months before the presidential election scheduled for February 2024. The Head of State has still not decided the debate...

Senegal: launch of national dialogue in a climate of political tension

This Wednesday, President Macky Sall is to launch the "national dialogue", nine months before the presidential election scheduled for February 2024. The head of state has still not decided the debate on a possible candidacy for a third term. Part of the opposition has already refused to participate, and intends to organize its own dialogue. Initiatives in a climate of political tensions, while the judgment in the trial of the opponent Ousmane Sonko for accusations of rape is to be delivered this Thursday.

Macky Sall, the president of the Republic of Senegal, is due to launch the national dialogue on Wednesday. (Illustrative image) © Senegalese Presidency

Text by: RFI Follow

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With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

The appointment is set at 16pm at the banquet hall of the presidential palace for the official launch ceremony. Initially scheduled for Tuesday, it was postponed for 24 hours without explanation from the authorities "Dialogue is a tradition in Senegal," said the government spokesman, "all issues will be debated."

After "consultation" with its base, Khalifa Sall's Taxawu Senegal party confirmed its decision to take part. A participation "with responsibility, but without compromise on the fights led in the opposition," said his statement. The party says it "remains in the front line" against "an unconstitutional and illegitimate third candidacy of President Macky Sall".

Under conviction, Khalifa Sall, declared presidential candidate, remains for the time being ineligible. So did Karim Wade, the former president's son. His party, the PDS, had already agreed in principle to participate in the dialogue. The main issue for them would be a modification of the electoral code or an amnesty to allow them to compete.

But for most of the other opposition leaders – Ousmane Sonko, Déthié Fall or Aminata Touré – there is no question of participating in what they call a "deal". They call to join the "counter-dialogue" or "dialogue of the people" organized by the platform "of the living forces" F24 this Wednesday afternoon. Among the items on the agenda: "no more attempt at a 3rd candidacy" and "an effective separation of powers".

Senegal: launch of national dialogue in a climate of political tension

Senegal: launch of national dialogue in a climate of political tension

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