Section of Senegalese civil society rejects national dialogue

A section of Senegal’s civil society has refused to take part in the national dialogue to discuss constitutional reforms in the country.

The movement claims that the discussions should have been organised before the March 20 Referendum on whether to have the dialogue or not.

The movement further claims that other parties involved are pushing for other issues that are of no concern to them like the possible release of Karim Wade, the son of former President Abdoulaye Wade, who is serving a six-year sentence for corruption and who is also hoping to contest the 2019 presidential election.

Macky Sall who was elected in 2012, has as part of the proposed reforms, called for a reduction of the presidential term from 7 to 5 years.

The forum will discuss 15 points from the referendum with the reduction of the presidential term expected to top the agenda.

macky_sall holds dialogue with stakeholders to discuss #Senegal’s future; 2 months after referendum https://t.co/bPCvrPx7kQ

— Songhai Advisory (SonghaiAdvisory) May 30, 2016

The forum is also expected to among others discuss the creation of parliamentary seats for Senegalese in the diaspora, health, education and security.