Ousmane Sonko's "Meet the People" tour again attacked with tear gas by security forces

 

Play here (Wolof & French) https://youtu.be/JHknafs6haQ

For the umpteenth time the convoy of Ousmane Sonko, president of the PASTEF party, and opposition leader, on his “Neemeeku Tour” (meet the people tour) has been the victim of unprovoked and illegal attack by members of the Gendarmerie security forces. The tour is designed to meet local supporters in the rural areas and listen to their grievances and has been invariably met by local youth and other supporters coming out to greet and follow theconvoy.

This time it was in the town of Taiba Ndiaye , where Ousmane Sonko was visiting supporters, and was welcomed by local populations, that the forces of "law and order" proved themselves yet again to be the forces of "no-law and disorder".

The unprovoked firing of tear gas at the convoy and at local supporters was not the result of any provocation. It was an entirely legal activity and reminiscent of many other political campaigns carried out by the ruling party without incidence. Ousmane Sonko supporters acted with resilience and refused to be provoked into responding.

In fact the convoy was even attacked when leaving the town. It appears that the main concern of the Police was to prevent the local populations from being seen to show their support for the opposition leader. Despite their best efforts the young people still came out to support the convoy.

It should be remembered that in March the African Union's The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights issued a statement strongly condemning "the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers against civilians". It further went on to remind the Senegalese Authorities of the fact that "freedom of movement and demonstration are guaranteed by Articles 11 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights), as well as the right to a fair trial which includes the respect of the presumption of innocence (Article 7 of the African Charter)." It further called on the "Senegalese authorities to take all necessary measures to restore calm and stability by refraining from the use of force".
https://achpr.au.int/en/news/press-releases/2023-03-16/press-statement-human-rights-situation-senegal

From yesterday's events it would appear these calls fell on deaf ears.