Senegal bans opposition protest

  1. Posted on Wednesday 15 February 2012 - 13:49
    Jammeh
    Image of Jammeh
    Buya Jammeh, AfricaNews reporter in Dakar, Senegal
    The Senegalese government has banned an opposition march planned for Independence Square in Dakar to protest against President Abdoulaye Wade's bid to run for a third term in February 26 polls. Responding to an open letter addressed to him by two co-leaders of the M23 movement Alioune Tine and Amath Dansokho, Interior Minister Ousmane Ngom told the opposition in a statement that they are not allowed to stage the protest at the foreseen date and place.
    Senegal riots over electricity cuts
    The interior minister further instructed security chiefs in the country to take their responsibly and protect the country from chaos; adding that they should avert the reoccurrence of the damage to public poverties that took place on June 23rd last year.

    Defiant opposition

    M23, which consist of political opponents and civil organizations, said on Tuesday it would hold a major march to Independence Square, in the heart of the capital near the presidential palace.

    Alioune Tine declared earlier told journalists that they are going told the march and no one can stop them; further condemn the Senegalese administration's biased attitude. ‘in case there is there is any violence they are responsible." He stressed.

    Paramilitary Police on Tuesday evening blocked members of rapper-led youth movement "Fed Up" from settling in another square in Dakar where they planned a permanent sit-in.

    The group that is still adamant said Wednesday that they will reapply for a permit to hold their sit-in strike at the Obelisk Square.

    Despite national anger and criticism from abroad, Wade 85 has remained defiant, campaigning throughout the country and promising development and ambitious programmes.

    Wade is facing 13 opposition candidates, including two of his former premiers and the leader of the former ruling Socialist Party, Ousmane Tanor Dieng.

    More tension in Casamance

    Barely few days the President Wade toured the Senegalese troubled region of Casamance the MFDC separatist moment killed and wounded six others in the district of Sindian, located in the region Bignona.

    The wounded soldiers were evacuated to Dakar by a military helicopter. It is not clear whether the rebels have been killed or wound during the clash.

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