lemonde.fr
Senegal Election Violence: Sonko's Call for Revenge
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's call for revenge after attacks on his supporters fuels political tensions in Senegal ahead of the parliamentary elections.
French
France
PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsElectionsAfricaViolenceSenegalRetaliation
PastefSamm Sa KadduAfp
Ousmane SonkoBarthélémy DiasBassirou Diomaye FayeMacky Sall
- What prompted Ousmane Sonko's call for vengeance?
- Ousmane Sonko, the Senegalese Prime Minister, called for retaliation against those who attacked his supporters before the parliamentary elections. He blamed supporters of Dakar mayor Barthélémy Dias, leading to accusations of an "incitement to murder" from the opposition.
- What is the broader political context of these events?
- The situation reflects the ongoing political rivalry between Sonko and former President Macky Sall. The dissolution of the parliament and the ensuing election have exacerbated tensions between competing political factions.
- What are the potential consequences of Sonko's actions?
- Sonko's call for vengeance and accusations of state failure to address the violence are a significant escalation of tensions. His threats of self-help raise serious concerns about the stability of the political climate and electoral process in Senegal.
- Who is Ousmane Sonko blaming for the attacks on his supporters?
- The violence stemmed from pre-election tensions between Sonko's Pastef party and Dias's coalition, Samm Sa Kaddu. Incidents involved attacks on Sonko's convoy and party headquarters, resulting in injuries and accusations of state failure to ensure safety.
- What is the significance of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Senegal?
- The upcoming parliamentary elections are crucial because they will determine the balance of power between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Sonko. A Pastef majority would allow Faye and Sonko to implement their shared political agenda.