The introductory remarks were stated and punctuated by firmness. A way for Amadou Ba to tell the public that he is determined to shed light on the latest riots from June 1 to 3.

The government does not intend to remain passive in the face of the latest violent events from June 1 to 3. Precisely, it is to know the real causes that investigations were commissioned with the competent services of security and Justice. And yesterday, in front of an audience of journalists and the ministers of the Armed Forces, Justice, the Interior, Ismaïla Madior Fall, Sidiki Kaba, Antoine Diome respectively and of the government spokesperson and Minister of Commerce, Abdou Karim Fofana, the Prime Minister, Amadou Ba announced the opening of investigations “to determine the causes of the deaths and to locate the responsibilities. The violence noted, the destruction of public and private property have negative repercussions and a considerable cost, which jeopardize jobs, local businesses, as well as partners from friendly countries and economic activity in general”.

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« An assessment is underway to estimate the extent of the material losses in order to determine the measures to be taken in favour of the affected companies and the appropriate support mechanisms for all the victims of these events », added the head of government in his introductory statement.

Appreciating the facts that took place from June 1 to 3, the PM reports “an enterprise of destabilization that began with a cyberattack and continued with malicious attempts to destroy and sabotage vital and essential infrastructure. for our country: fuel depots, water plant, power plant, etc.

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« There are several factual elements which suggest serious and concordant indications of the existence of a strategy of manipulation aimed at committing offenses against the authority of the State and the integrity of the national territory », continues Amadou Ba, who also presented the condolences of the government to the families of the 16 people who died during these unfortunate events and expressed its sympathy to the injured.

Not without preventing the risk of collapse of “bulwarks of democracy and civic freedom, one after the other, under the effect of a pernicious strategy of manipulation, elaborated and implemented by the partisans of insurrectionary theories”. This, through the manipulation of social networks. Hence the determination of the State « to shed light on recent events and to bring to justice all those who have committed reprehensible acts ». “We are resolutely committed to ensuring that all those involved in this violence answer for their actions”, assured the head of government. Who added that « arrests » and « ongoing diligences so that Justice is pronounced as soon as possible ».

He also informed of the release of “minors and students returned to their parents”. While, argued the PM, “other people, on whom there are high presumptions and suspicions, are being held in detention for the purposes of the investigation”.

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Still reassuring public opinion, the Prime Minister reiterated the openness of the government to “provide any useful clarification on the events in compliance with the rules of procedure”.

PM Ba maintained that « the government intends to fully assume its responsibilities » in the face of the « issues and (the) strategies of destabilization of the country which are at work ». While reaffirming his commitment « to the search for peace and national harmony ».

Amadou Ba underlined that: “the imperative of transparency has, in fact, always guided the actions of the government and we ensure this in compliance with the laws in force.”

He also made a point of mentioning that “all public security issues cannot be debated in the public square. If everyone is free to form their opinion on any question, the fact remains that a lot of data escapes those who pour out on social networks by thinking about the manipulation of citizens rather than informing them”.

By Malick GAYE / mgaye@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH / Serigne S. DIAGNE