Africa-Press – Senegal. The National Council of Elders of Benno Bokk Yaakaar (BBY) has appealed for appeasement and stressed the need for « broad consultation » in Senegal, so that the conditions for “inclusive participation in a free and transparent [presidential] election” in 2024.
« The Council of Elders calls on all living forces […] to work for a return to calm. He urges them to favor inclusive dialogue in particular in anticipation of the next presidential election, » said this body of the coalition of the presidential majority.
In a press release sent to the APS on Saturday, the council of elders of BBY » insists on the need for broad consultation, in order to bring together the conditions […] for inclusive participation in a free and transparent election » , next year.
The presidential election of 2024 must “consolidate the democratic tradition […] Senegalese recognized throughout the world”, add the sages of the coalition of parties in power.
The national secretariat of the council of elders of Benno Bokk Yaakaar « deplores » also « the violent demonstrations which took place in the capital, Dakar, and other towns in the country ».
This instance of BBY « notes with emotion the death toll, mainly young people », during the violence that occurred in Senegal between Thursday 1st and Saturday 3rd June.
He presents his “deep condolences” to the families of the victims and to the Senegalese nation.
The national council of wise men of the presidential majority « regrets all the violence […] exerted on people, the destruction and burning of public and private property ».
“He was particularly moved by the acts of degradation of the heritage of the prestigious Cheikh-Anta-Diop University in Dakar, an institution of higher education so dear to Senegal and Africa,” the statement continued.
The BBY member structure « congratulates and encourages the defense and security forces for their selflessness and dedication in protecting the institutions of the Republic, people and property ».
According to the Ministry of the Interior, 16 people were killed in the violence following the sentencing of opponent Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for « youth corruption », Thursday 1 June.
He adds reports several injuries and significant material damage.
According to his lawyers, the required sentence is likely to prevent Mr. Sonko, mayor of Ziguinchor (south), from running in the 2024 presidential election for which he declared himself a candidate.
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