Ongoing Tussle…

A few months from now, Senegalese of voting age are expected to the poll to elect a new President. With President Macky Sall no more eligible to run, the political terrain has become not only wide for grab, but also slippery for the different political actors. Prominent amongst these actors are, incumbent President Macky Sall whose ruling Alliance for the Republic Party (APR), is expected to present a candidate and the opposition leader Ousamane Sonko of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity Party (Pastef). Though for now, Sonko is not eligible because he has been given a two-year jail term and his party dissolved, the power tussle in the country continues despite the successful holding of the national dialogue during which several proposals were made with regards to the “national life” of the country. The tense political climate which has led to the loss of lives and enormous material damage has been condemned by stakeholders within and beyond the country with most calling for dialogue in order to diffuse the increasingly tense atmosphere. 
To the government and the ruling party while concertation are ongoing with regards to the selection of a party candidate, firm measures are also being taken against any attempt to disturb public order. This is because Ousmane Sonko and his supporters have been on the streets creating disorder. To appease the political climate, President Macky Sall after announcing his willingness not to stand for next year election, has, as recommended by the national dialogue, pardoned two prominent political figures, Karim Wade, son of the country’s former President Abdoulaye Wade and Khalifa Sall, former Mayor of the capital, Dakar. The presidential decree does not only drop a...