It was to be expected: the Prefect of Dakar banned the gatherings of the F24, the Walfadjiri Group and Yaw, scheduled for June 23 and 25 respectively, citing the risk of public order disturbances and obstruction of the movement of people and property. In this pre-Tabaski context which follows the violent demonstrations of June 1 and 2 made up of looting and ransacking, the opposite would undoubtedly have surprised.

While the people of Dakar are immersed in preparations for the Tabaski, stressed by the scarcity and high cost of mutton, they had to prepare for several marches or political demonstrations. But the state has decided to ban everything: the Prefect of Dakar, Mor Talla Tine, yesterday published decrees banning three rallies scheduled for Friday and Sunday in the capital. The opposition Coalition Yewwi askan wi planned to march on June 25, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., on the « Saint-Lazare-Cité Keur Gorgui cemetery » route, to request the lifting of the blockade of the home of Ousmane Sonko in place since his 2-year sentence for youth corruption after he was acquitted of rape and death threats against masseuse Adji Sarr, who appealed. The Prefect invoked, to justify his decision, “risks of disturbing public order” and “obstructing the free movement of people and goods”.

In addition, the march scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m., between Independence Square and the Palace of the Republic, is also prohibited. Initiated by the movement of the nation’s forces vives (F24), which brings together political parties and civil society organizations opposed to a possible candidacy of Macky Sall in 2024, this demonstration will not take place. For the Prefect, the « risks of disturbing public order » and « hindering the free movement of people and goods », « risks of infiltration » of the organizers of the rally scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. at Place de la Nation are real.  The third rejected request concerns the march of the Walf Group this Friday on the route « Place de l’Indépendance-Avenue Léopold Sédar Senghor-Palais de la République« , to denounce the cutting of its signal. Mor Talla Tine also opposes it by putting on the table “risks of disturbing public order” and “obstructing the free movement of people and goods”.

For the Walf Group, prohibited from broadcasting its programs during the period from Thursday June 1 to Saturday July 1, 2023, i.e. thirty days, it is soon the end of the sanction. Because the Coordination of press associations (Cap), which fights for the restoration of the signal, had guarantees justifying the suspension of the day without press initially planned tomorrow. To this must be added the release of journalists Pape Ndiaye and Serigne Saliou Guèye, favoring a relaxation.

With Tabaski, many Dakar residents wondered about the holding of these gatherings, in particular the political utility of causing tension on the sheep market less than 5 days before the festival. Encouraged by the demonstrations of June 1 and 2 following the conviction of Ousmane Sonko for corruption of youth to 2 years in prison, the Coalition Yewwi askan wi calls for the release of the « Patriot » in chief on June 25. On the government side, Abdou Karim Fofana assures that « the State will do everything to protect these Senegalese who have the right to practice their profession, who also have the right to earn an honest living ». 

The Minister of Trade and government spokesperson made this known on Tuesday at a press conference, taking offense at the attitude of people who are calling for demonstrations in this context, and at the same time deplored their  » irresponsibility ». In any case, the minister maintains that traders “cannot be at the mercy of whoever wants to demonstrate”. And to add: “We must respect our compatriots who have made trade their profession and who fight every day to provide populations with the necessary supplies for daily life.”

By Justin GOMIS / justin@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH