Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Massive Protest In Senegal Opposing Third Term President
BY GIN, New York
Feb.2nd (GIN) – Thousands of Senegalese filled the streets of the capital city Dakar this week to express their outrage at a recent court ruling giving the aging president, Abdoulaye Wade, the right to seek a third 7-year term.
Police fired tear gas and water cannons Tuesday to disperse crowds mostly of young people. As night fell, protestors reportedly threw stones at police and burned tires.
Witnesses and officials say a 30-year-old student died after being run over by a truck during the protests. Police deny the incident involved a police vehicle.
At least four people have been killed since Friday's court ruling.
President Wade brushed off the protest calling it a "light breeze, not a hurricane."
He also refered to it as "a temper tantrum."
Senegal's constitution limits a president to two terms. However, President Wade maintains that it does not apply to him because it became law after he was elected.
All the leaders of the opposition attended Tuesday's rally, as well as former candidate Youssou N’Dour, whose qualifying signatures were ruled insufficient. As the demonstration got going, the leaders of M23, who organized the event, told people to sit on the floor to express their wish for peace.
As they sat down, they sang: "the old man is dead…” and "We have had enough. We are taking notice. Society is moving. We respect our Senegal."
The crowds held their arms in the air, clapping before crossing their fists in the air to indicate that Wade should put an end to his presidency.
Speaking to a reporter, protestor Aliou Thoum said: “I am even asking myself what country I am in. It is a country where peace has reigned.. . It is time for (Wade) to go.” Elections are scheduled for Feb. 26.
Meanwhile, the anger expressed by masses of young and unemployed school graduates led some analysts to predict that Senegal was ripe for an "African Spring" if the opposition succeeded in mobilizing.
"The entire world and indeed former leaders in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya grossly underestimated the power of citizen action... The same attitude from President Wade may just turn out to be his greatest undoing," said Johannesburg-based analyst David Kode, speaking to the Agence France Press.
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uGFtXOPqxKCgP
Submitted by Noe (not verified) on February 13, 2012 - 06:45.
Disgusting. Instead of ofirefng concrete help to rebuild the nation in its time of greatest need, he invites Haitians to abandon their country.
HE IS A DEAD MAN
Submitted by fette (not verified) on February 3, 2012 - 13:44.
Does this man called Wade any power in him to lead the Senegal people. At least Mandella has shown that there is no black gene called die on the throne. This old man should be kicked out as it is good for him to rest.
WADE WANT TO DIE IN POSITION
Submitted by Dada Ogbegun (not verified) on February 3, 2012 - 12:55.
President Wade wants to die in power, so his evil will not be judged on him while he his alive. Typical of African leaders. Just like that old idiot in Zimbabwe.
Wither Africa
Submitted by piccarro mondo (not verified) on February 3, 2012 - 09:49.
How long shall Africa continue to be led by these crass,power drunken and sit-tight despots? From Mobutu to Mubarak...don't these leaders from history?
Wade, was in the vanguard of
Submitted by deri (not verified) on February 2, 2012 - 20:15.
Wade, was in the vanguard of African leaders who assisted NATO to murder Gaddafi. He it was who said force should be used to get rid of Gaddafi if possible. He openly disagreed with the AU over their stand on Libya. Sarkozy was so excited with his comments over Libya, he was invited with his french wife to wine and dine with Sarkozy in France. The same French government is now sponsoring the opposition to get rid of him. Wades case is similar to the way the Americans, sponsored Charles Taylor and now pastor Yomi Johnson to get rid of Samuel Doe of Liberia. Then finally lured OBJ with a 3rd term agenda and a promise of being (gifted) bakassi if and only if he would hand over Charles Taylor to the Hague to enable madam who promised to do just one term, run for office. Today she is there doing her second term for firestone rubber plantation and not the people of Liberia. That is Africa for u! Nothing but stooges of the West in thought and deeds.
WADE VERSUS GADDAFI
Submitted by deri (not verified) on February 2, 2012 - 20:14.
Wade, was in the vanguard of African leaders who assisted NATO to murder Gaddafi. He it was who said force should be used to get rid of Gaddafi if possible. He openly disagreed with the AU over their stand on Libya. Sarkozy was so excited with his comments over Libya, he was invited with his french wife to wine and dine with Sarkozy in France. The same French government is now sponsoring the opposition to get rid of him. Wades case is similar to the way the Americans, sponsored Charles Taylor and now pastor Yomi Johnson to get rid of Samuel Doe of Liberia. Then finally lured OBJ with a 3rd term agenda and a promise of being (gifted) bakassi if and only if he would hand over Charles Taylor to the Hague to enable madam who promised to do just one term, run for office. Today she is there doing her second term for firestone rubber plantation and not the people of Liberia. That is Africa for u! Nothing but stooges of the West in thought and deeds.
The Old Man shall go
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 2, 2012 - 20:12.
This old fox must go and let the country move forward.
Office of the President no be Old People's home!
Submitted by Gen Rommel (not verified) on February 2, 2012 - 19:38.
E be like say dem take "Third Term" swear for these sinile Old Men. If he wants Presidential Funeral, he can simply beg for one & not turn the office of the President to Old people's home. He's officially 85 (rumoured around 90 years), I bet he can't even remember what day of the week anymore. Make this Man go rest; I bet his been controlled from back.
Afro-spring in the offing
Submitted by Armstrong (not verified) on February 2, 2012 - 19:38.
African leaders are animals with human skin thus they have no conscience or morality. It's still quiet early to forget the Arab spring with the attendant implication. No leaders is greater than the will of his citizenry. The Senegalese people have expressed their wish but will wade listen? I wish he learned what happened to col. Muammar Gaddaffi of Libya and co.
Animals in human clothing called president
Wade has gone mad!
Submitted by Mudu (not verified) on February 2, 2012 - 19:32.
So, Wade, with all the wisdom which old age supposedly confers has not learnt the lessons of recent history?As he seeks to sacrifice Senegalese democracy on the altar of his criminal personal ambitions, he will certainly go the way of all tyrants.Solidarity with the oppressed people of Senegal and downfall to Wade!
Occupy Senegal!!! Say no to a
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 2, 2012 - 18:54.
Occupy Senegal!!! Say no to a 21 year rule...its not a gun salute!!!!!!!!
3RD TERM AGAIN
Submitted by Jimi Sosanya (not verified) on February 2, 2012 - 18:48.
I wonder the problems with African leaders. They are so selfish and corrupt that they dont think of the future for the their country and the next generations. How can he be thinking of third term at that age when he is suppose to be advising the the younger generations. I pray the Almighty God should deal with this people.
