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Greater than 100 political and civil society teams in Senegal on Sunday fashioned a coalition to oppose a third time period for President Macky Sall.
Ten months forward of presidential elections, the coalition in a declaration referred to as on Sall to respect the structure and chorus from operating for an “unlawful and illegitimate” third time period.
The president — in energy since 2012 — has not clarified his intentions however rejects claims it will be unconstitutional for him to run once more.
His essential political opponent, Ousmane Sonko, was amongst a number of opposition leaders to attend the launch of the coalition.
Greater than 120 events on Sunday signed the constitution of the F24 Motion of Very important Forces, in keeping with its instigators.
It additionally requires the discharge of “political detainees” arrested throughout demonstrations over a defamation case in opposition to Sonko introduced by Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang, a member of Sall’s occasion.
Tensions have been operating excessive by way of the nation for weeks, with protests bringing the capital Dakar to a digital standstill.
Sonko was handed a two-month suspended sentence within the court docket case on the finish of March after a trial his attorneys mentioned wouldn’t rule him out of the 2024 presidential election.
An enchantment was lodged in opposition to the ruling and Sonko is because of be judged on enchantment on Monday.
Sonko’s destiny can be wrapped up in one other case wherein he’s accused of rape, which he contests.
He and his supporters accuse the federal government of utilizing the justice system to attempt to forestall him from operating in subsequent yr’s poll.
The presidential occasion accuses Sonko of looking for to paralyse the nation and of drumming up anger on the streets in a bid to flee justice.
(AFP)
