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Momodou
Denmark
11734 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Jan 2012 : 22:50:17
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2 shot dead in Senegal election protest
RUKMINI CALLIMACHI
Published: 30/01/2012 22.10
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) - Paramilitary police in northern Senegal opened fire Monday on men and women protesting the president's plan to run for a third term, killing a woman in her 60s and a high school student, a witness and a rights group said.
The violence is uncharacteristic for Senegal, a normally peaceful nation on Africa's western coast, and suggests its political conflict is escalating. Protests spread from the capital to the interior last Friday after the constitutional court validated President Abdoulaye Wade's candidacy in next month's election.
The legality of the 85-year-old Wade's quest for a third term is disputed. The constitution was revised in 2001 to impose a two-term limit. Wade, who came to power in 2000, argues that he is exempt because he was elected before the new law was drafted.
Early on Monday, the five-judge panel rejected the appeals lodged by the opposition over the weekend. Later in the day, demonstrators gathered in the center of Podor, some 300 miles (480 kilometers) north of the capital of this nation of 12 million, to protest the court's siding with Wade.
Amadou Diagne Niang, a resident of Podor who is the local correspondent for Le Soleil, the state-owned newspaper, said the paramilitary police, known as the gendarmes, ran out of tear gas. When the protesters refused to disperse, they opened fire with live bullets. The woman and young man were killed in front of him, Niang said by telephone from Podor
Amnesty International confirmed the killings, and its West Africa researcher, Salvatore Sagues, said it "marks a dramatic escalation in the violence that has plagued Senegal in the run up to its elections."
"As further protests are planned for tomorrow, we call on the authorities to refrain from using live bullets against peaceful protesters," Sagues said.
Cmdr. Papa Ibrahima Diop, a spokesman for the National Gendarmerie, also said he had been informed that two people were killed in Podor, but that he could not disclose details because an investigation is ongoing.
In the court's ruling, the judges said Wade's first term under the new constitution should be considered as being the one that started when he was first re-elected in 2007. Therefore, his second term would be the one that he would serve if he is re-elected in Feb. 26 election.
"It was never our intention in any way to violate the constitution of our country," Wade's spokesman Cheikh Serigne Ndiaye told reporters on Monday. "The (constitutional) council agreed with our reasoning."
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Monday that the United States respects the decision of the court. But she added that it was not in Senegal's best interest for the elderly Wade to seek another term.
"Our message to him remains the same: That the statesmanly-like thing to do would be to cede to the next generation. And we think that would be better," she told reporters in Washington.
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Associated Press writers Sadibou Marone in Dakar, Senegal, and Bradley Klapper in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2012 : 06:26:01
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ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY FROM SENEWEB TRANSLATED NEWS 30TH JANUARY 2012;
"You should know that Master Wade is not above the people to do whatever he wants. It is true that the Constitutional Council is a body whose decision deserves respect. But we forget that the people's decision is better than the judgments of the Constitutional Council. Why submit to such institutions that continue to show us that they are not Republicans.
We do not need to know that a constitutional President of the Republic exercises a mandate if elected by universal suffrage. And if I remember correctly we had to hold twice the presidential elections that gave twice winner Master Wade states that he had to run two terms. They should stop taking us for Aborigines in us waving arguments as clumsy goal.
The opponents need to show that tyrant of President they will not be led by such institutions and they will not go to elections with a person whose nomination is invalid. I tell you by going to the ballot with this injustice expect to save arbitrary results. In this case let no one challenge the results of the polls. Why did you have to be extras in this comedy orchestrated by the great director that the world has ever had.
It is essential that members of the M23 take their destiny instead of being taken for a ride. They must remain attached to patients and by boycotting the elections. Thus the old have no power to impose on them a vote whose outcome is known in advance. Why give him the pleasure of celebrating a victory marred by many irregularities. Let us not be complicit in such a sham election.
Do you think if the only candidate that is Master Wade left alone to win elections and would it be democratic? Not here it is a dictatorship in a democracy as we would like candidates confront based on civic values, whether two or more contenders. This is why we say that in a democracy is legitimate only the majority to govern. Do not go into what his favorite form of entertainment violence. Show him that we can not impose its dictates.
We consult the people on the candidacy of Master Wade, he is the only Constitutional Council has the absolute legitimacy to rule without being challenged. For the people that the Constitution would be respected and honored." |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jan 2012 : 06:42:38
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INTERESTING ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY FROM SENEWEB TRANSLATED NEWS 30TH JANUARY 2012;
"Speech is the main vector cultural African civilizations. Because the word of a man and had sense. In our societies, breaking his word, withdraw before all amounted to a social death ensured even physical death. After finishing with the esteem that we could have ourselves, after bribing some of our intellectuals and marabouts and discrediting or humiliating the other continues its business of destroying the identity Senegalese values. It is a moral duty to clear out after "Wakhi-wakhete", which taints the legacy of those who made the greatness of Senegal and especially to be an example for future generations and the type of values they want there instilled:" Niak djom, fene, or satch djom, Guem-Guemes, ligueye"" |
Edited by - kobo on 31 Jan 2012 06:45:51 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11734 Posts |
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Momodou
Denmark
11734 Posts |
Posted - 01 Feb 2012 : 19:05:45
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Students clash with police in Senegal
RUKMINI CALLIMACHI
Published: 01/02/2012 18.46
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) - College students set fire to a bus and threatened to march on Senegal's presidential palace on Wednesday, a day after one of their classmates was killed during a demonstration against the 85-year-old president.
Police Superintendent Harona Sy, who is the head of security for the capital, said that his officers had pushed the demonstrators back with tear gas, forcing them off of the main avenue outside the capital's largest university. Reached by telephone, he said he had asked his officers to show restraint because the students were mourning the death of one of their own.
"I understand them," Sy said.
The clashes mark the third day of back-to-back protests stemming from the decision of the nation's highest court to allow President Abdoulaye Wade to run for a third term. The constitution was revised to impose a two-term maximum, and many Senegalese as well as international experts see the court's decision as politically motivated.
On Tuesday, thousands of protesters gathered at a downtown square to call for Wade's departure. Sy said that his men stormed the square when the demonstrators attempted to set fire to a petrol station, which if lit could have caused a dangerous explosion. An AP reporter saw the police speed an anti-riot truck into the knot of people, and saw a young man fall.
It's unclear if the college student who was identified in local media as Mamadou Diop was run over, or if he fell and was killed by the stampede that followed. Sy said police had opened an investigation, but added that it was highly unlikely that he was run over by the truck.
"The truck weighs more than 30 tons. If he was run over, his body would have been crushed," he said. "But there were no traces on his body. The doctor that treated him said that he died of internal hemorrhaging.."
Senegal has long been a model of democracy and stability on a continent plagued by coups and civil war. Analysts say that Wade's decision to run for a third term, after more than 11 years in office, is threatening to drag the country into unrest.
Wade, who will turn 86 this spring, argues that the constitutional amendment which imposed a two-term maximum was passed after he took office. He claims the law is not retroactive, and since he was elected under the previous constitution which had no term limits, he should be allowed to run for another, seven-year term.
Mounting corruption has soured Senegal on Wade, who was the country's opposition leader for 25 years and who ran and lost in four elections before finally winning the 2000 ballot.
In New York, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon issued a warning to Senegal, saying in a statement on Wednesday that he was concerned about the uptick of violence. In addition to the college student, three others have been killed, including a woman in her 60s, a youth in his 20s and a police officer who was stoned to death by the mob.
Ban said that authorities "must act in a manner that preserves and consolidates Senegal's democratic traditions, which have laid the foundations for its long history of stability." |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 02 Feb 2012 : 14:19:39
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MAAFANTA.COM WITH;
FOROYAA NEWS EDITORIAL;
THE POINT NEWS EDITORIAL;
HELLO GAMBIA WITH COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS;
MORE WITH HELLO GMBIA;
HELLO GAMBIA WITH MORE VIDEOS
JOLLOF NEWS WITH;
THE DAILY NEWS WITH COMMENTARY;
FOROYAA INTERNATIONAL NEWS WITH
AND HALIFA SALLAH'S LETTER FROM;
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Edited by - kobo on 02 Feb 2012 15:23:42 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11734 Posts |
Posted - 07 Feb 2012 : 21:08:58
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Thousands march against Senegal's president
Published: 07/02/2012 17.49
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) - Thousands of people have marched in Senegal's capital to call for the departure of aging President Abdoulaye Wade.
The marchers included international pop star Youssou Ndour, who had turned in an application to run against Wade in this month's presidential election. Ndour was disqualified by the court due to a lack of valid signatures.
Unlike previous demonstrations calling for Wade's resignation, Tuesday's march did not take a violent turn.
Four people have been killed in the anti-government demonstrations that began over a week ago, when the constitutional council validated Wade's bid to run for re-election.
The 85-year-old Wade has faced stinging criticism for his decision to run in the Feb. 26 ballot, meaning he could rule into his 90s. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2012 : 23:59:58
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USEFUL UPDATES COURTESY OF GAMBIA-L;
GAINAKO NEWS;
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Edited by - kobo on 09 Feb 2012 00:02:27 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2012 : 00:08:19
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MAAFANTA.COM;
SENEWEB TRANSLATED NEWS;
"Eight candidates for the presidential elections showed Monday night in Rufisque, their determination to continue fighting together to bring the incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade to withdraw his candidacy.
The eight candidates, all members of the movement of June 23 (M23), are Moustapha Niass, Idrissa Seck, Cheikh Bamba Dieye, Diouma Diakhaté Dieng, Ibrahima Fall, Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, Djibril Ngom and Ousmane Tanor Dieng
The M23, which includes opposition parties and civil society associations, held a public meeting at the Garden of Rufisque the second day of the election campaign.
'' Our struggle for the withdrawal of the candidacy of Wade is not just a battle of political parties. It's a fight all the Senegalese people. And the strong mobilization of Rufisque must be the same everywhere in Senegal until the withdrawal of the candidacy of Wade,'' said Ousmane Tanor Dieng.
For its part, Idrissa Seck said:'' If we leave aside our agenda and we are dedicated to fight for respect for the Constitution, it is because without respect for the Constitution, any other law is protected from violation.''
'' To those who rush and overlook this struggle for the benefit of their program, said Mr. Seck, I assure them that he who starts with the roof to build his building, forgetting the foundation, the slab will fall on him ' '.
'' We love this country, we want it progresses mainly with peace in Casamance, but the only obstacle is Abdoulaye Wade. He left because we want that Senegal is at peace, in calm'' said Djibril Ngom.
According to Cheikh Bamba Dieye,'' Wade is ready, its pattern is there, but it has not achieved its objective is to be replaced by his son.''
'' This mobilization of the M23, if we did continue, we will win,'' said Mr. Dieye, saying that'' the battle has just begun.''
'' I heard Wade say he needs three years to complete its projects, but the real sites Wade, this is how to install his son as head of the country. When Wade leaves, Senegal will be at peace. The country does not deserve what Wade'', argued Cheikh Tidiane Gadio.
Moustapha said he has Nias with the mobilization of candidates, members of the M23,'' the hope is still there.'' '' This unity and solidarity, this mobilization, show that each of us can lead this country,'' he said.
'' We say that Wade's candidacy, we will not accept today or tomorrow. And God willing, he will leave,'' said Nias.
The coalition candidate'''' Taxaw Tem, Ibrahima Fall, he felt that'' whatever the duration, the truth will triumph and that is clear, the search for truth is the reason for your mobilization ' '.
For its part, the stylist Diouma Dieng Diakhate praised the unity and solidarity of opposition candidates, members of M23. She urged her fellow citizens and all other contenders'' to maintain the mobilization to push Wade to withdraw his candidacy" |
Edited by - kobo on 09 Feb 2012 00:12:09 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2012 : 01:13:35
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FOROYAA INTERNATIONAL NEWS;
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Momodou
Denmark
11734 Posts |
Posted - 09 Feb 2012 : 09:20:11
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Clashes in Senegal between police, protesters
RUKMINI CALLIMACHI
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) - Clashes erupted between Senegalese security forces and anti-government demonstrators in the regional capital of Thies, where the country's aging president was planning to hold a campaign rally Wednesday, according to witnesses and a private radio station.
Before the convoy of cars carrying 85-year-old President Abdoulaye Wade had traveled the 45 miles (70 kilometers) from the capital, Dakar, at least five of the cars in the caravan had been attacked by rock-throwing protesters, according to Sud FM radio.
Demonstrators contacted by telephone said they had tried to march toward a major road in order to prevent Wade's convoy from arriving and were pushed back when police opened fire with tear gas.
"They prevented us from reaching the national highway," said 38-year-old El Hadj Diouf, one of the protesters. "We took cover in a neighboring house."
The protesters took to the streets to protest Wade's candidacy in this month's election. Despite his age, he is seeking a third, seven-year term in the Feb. 26 ballot, even though the constitution was amended after he took office to allow a maximum of two. There have been protests and clashes with police every few days since Jan. 27 when the country's highest court ruled that Wade had the authority to seek a third term.
Last week, U.S. Ambassador Lewis Lukens called Wade's candidacy "unfortunate."
"It's regrettable that President Wade has chosen to compromise the elections, to threaten the security of his country by his insistence on running for a third term," Lukens told local journalists, according to a transcript of the interview published on the online portal Seneweb.com.
Senegal is considered a model of stability and democracy, a rarity in a region where every one of Senegal's neighbors has suffered one or more coups since winning independence from France in the 1960s. Wade was himself an opposition leader, who ran and lost four times against the socialist party that ruled Senegal for 40 years, before winning the 2000 election.
He is facing growing opposition. Twelve years ago, tens of thousands of people flooded the streets to run after Wade's motorcade when he passed through town. He is now accused of paying people to attend his rallies.
In Thies, security had cordoned off a 100-yard radius around the downtown "Promenade," a raised structure in the middle of a large traffic circle where Wade was expected to speak later on Wednesday. Only his supporters, wearing the ruling party's signature blue T-shirts, were allowed inside the radius.
"Yes, there are people at the Promenade, but it's because he gave them money to be there," Diouf said. "Even I was offered money - 5,000 francs (around $10) to wear the blue T-shirt. I even heard people who are against Wade who said, 'Let's just take the money, and go and then once we are at the Promenade we can try to sabotage their meeting.'"
© 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 11 Feb 2012 : 11:24:39
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Look at these interesting M23 and allied Senegal opposition photos meeting at Thies(courtesy of SENEWEB) and soldier covering security/body guard for an opposition leader and Mayor of Thies Edi Seck; in contrast to Gambia 
Also related and courtesy of USA Today; "Senegal president's convoy stoned on campaign trail"
"Power To The People!" |
Edited by - kobo on 11 Feb 2012 11:51:36 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 15 Feb 2012 : 02:25:11
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JOLLOF NEWS COVERED THIS SHOCKING TRAGEDY;
MAAFANTA.COM AND ACROSS OTHER ON-LINE MEDIA WITH SAIHOU MBENGA;
SENEWEB TRANSLATED NEWS TUESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2012;
"The president, Abdoulaye Wade beating currently campaigning for a third term, has an audience with the American ambassador to Senegal, Lewis Lukens, on Monday 13 February 2012. Abdoulaye Wade, who wanted an explanation of the official position of the United States, took the opportunity to close debate on the age and health. "Is it that if I was not physically fit, I'll be there to campaign inside the country when those who speak of my age and my health are spinning in circles in Dakar ? "He asked himself. Continuing, President Wade to remind Lewis Lukens "President Franklin Roosevelt led the fate of the United States, he ushered in the Second World War, sitting on a wheelchair, while I'm there standing. I consider myself a friend of the United States, alongside whom I am engaged in the fight against terrorism. so I can not understand some of your official statements.
But understand, Your Excellency that I will not let any power destabilize me, "Wade warn the American diplomat. Like what, who rubs it in Grandpa Wade pic!"
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Edited by - kobo on 15 Feb 2012 06:59:07 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 15 Feb 2012 : 18:24:50
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THE DAILY NEWS;
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| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
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