The African Union (AU) Commission has called for all political actors in Senegal to observe restrain and avoid acts that could tarnish the face of the country’s democracy as violent protest rocks the country.
Development Diaries reports that at least 15 people have been killed so far in violent protests after popular opposition politician, Ousmane Sonko, was sentenced to two years in jail, which may take him out of the running in the 2024 presidential election.
Clashes between Sonko’s supporters and police broke out after the ruling. However, local authorities have reported the return of peace in some neighbourhoods that experienced violent outbursts.
Chairperson of the AU commission, Mousa Faki Mahamat, in a statement, condemned the violent outburst, urging political actors in the country to maintain Senegal’s reputation of being one of the few stable democracies in West Africa.
‘It [the commission] calls for respect for the right of citizens to exercise their rights of freedom of expression and demonstration’, the statement read.
Mahamat, who also urged all citizens to respect law and order, call on all actors to favour the means of dialogue to overcome all differences.
Development Diaries calls on the Peace and Security Council of the AU to exercise its mandate and ensure all differences are resolved to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order.
Photo source: African Union