Yesterday, former President Abdou Diouf published a new letter in the guise of a clarification. This follows the publication of another letter signed jointly with his successor, Abdoulaye Wade. In that letter, the two statesmen seemed to welcome the postponement of the presidential election by President Macky Sall, with whom they had discussed the issue. But now Abdou Diouf throws the ball back to the 7 « Wise Men ». In his letter, the second Senegalese President stated: « I wish to make it clear, so that there can be no misunderstanding, that the Constitutional Council, which I created in 1992, remains the ultimate guarantor of our institutions and our democracy. It is for it and it alone to state the Law and to take the decisions that are binding on all concerning the electoral timetable and respect for the length of the presidential term of office ».

Political Détente: Diouf and Wade’s Appeal

President Diouf recalled: « I have decided to break the oath I took because our country is going through an unprecedented institutional crisis. I note, with regret and sadness, that the letter published with my signature and that of President Abdoulaye Wade has given rise to a great deal of incomprehension.
By Mamadou T. DIATTA – mdiatta@lequotidien.sn 

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH