Senegal’s President Macky Sall calls for calm amid violence
Senegalese President Macky Sall has broken his silence over the series of protests witnessed in the country for days over the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.
The president called for calm and serenity in the country, saying, “Each life lost is mourning for the Nation. This is why the state will come to the aid of bereaved families and facilitate access to care for the injured.”
“In the face of such incredible violence where children and women were put in an organised manner on the front line in the scenes of breakage, our Defence and Security Forces demonstrated professionalism and restraint. Otherwise, the toll would have been heavier,” President Macky Sall said.
Ousmane Sonko was on Monday released on bail after being arraigned. He faces a rape charge which he has since denied, saying the accusations are politically Motivated.
After his release, Sonko asked his supporters to continue with peaceful demonstrations.
“We are not asking the people to go and unseat Macky Sall,” he said at a news conference. “But let’s be clear, the revolution is marching its way to 2024,” Sonko added.
The protests which commenced on Wednesday as a result of Sonko’s arrest have led to the death of at least 5 people including a 17-year-old boy.
Schools in the capital were also ordered to close for a week following the unrest.
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Edited by Olajumoke Adeleke
