Freedom Newspaper (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Seedy Lamin Ceesay
13 December 2007
Leading West African reggae star Tiken Jah Fakoly has been banned from playing reggae in the former French Colony Senegal, following a Presidential directive, the Freedom can authoritatively report.
Fakoly who is widely loved and admired by Senegalese ran into troubles following a concert show held in the Senegalese Capital Dakar, where he openly composed a lyric calling for Wade's resignation. The popular Musician called on President Wade to step down from power, as he criticizes the rising corruption and maladministration in Senegal. Fakoly has been known as a radical reggae star. His lyrics are mainly directed at corrupt African leaders.
Sources in Dakar said Fakoly has been banned by the Wade Government from performing music in Senegal. He was also declared persona non grata by the Wade Government.
The move followed increasing pressure both at home and abroad on the administration of President Wade to do away with plans to allow his son Karim Wade to succeed him. Mr.Wade has been accused of grooming his son to replace him.
Fakoly is an Ivorian National by birth and was accused of meddling into Senegal's domestic politics by openly calling for its President to step down from power. Authorities in Dakar viewed Fakoly's call as a provocation and interfering into Dakar's local politics.
The musician had told a crowd of reggae fans that it was unfair for President Wade to impose his son to Senegalese. He also said if President Wade doesn't want his son to be probe by the National Assembly, he Wade should consider leaving office. The Ivorian musician calls for democracy and respect for the rule of law in Senegal.
He was ordered to immediately leave Dakar and not to ever contemplate hosting shows in Dakar.
Fakoly was granted political asylum in Mali , following the Ivorian war. Senegal has been his favorite destination, as he often frequents the West African country.
Senegal which was cherished for its democratic values has joined undemocratic nations such as the Gambia, in curtailing free speech and dissent. The Wade Government off late had been criticized for its intolerance to dissent. Africa's one time bastion of democracy is shattering the hopes of pro-democracy activists on the continent.
President Wade's son was recently summoned to the National Assembly to shed light on an alleged corruption scandal relating to certain official matters. The said move never went down well with the Senegalese leader as he expelled the Speaker of the House from his ruling Party.
Reacting to the story, Freedom Newspaper Dakar political commentator Soleyman Mboup said" It's unfortunate that the Government of President Wade is reacting in such a negative way. Senegal which used to be Africa's bastion of hope in terms of democracy and good governance has betrayed its citizens. The government overreacted. Senegal is no longer a pride as far as democracy is concerned."
Wade he said has been manipulating the regime and harassing the press.
" His image has been tarnished locally and internationally. He has been linked to so many financial scandals. His grand daughter set herself on fire in Italy, while Wade was there on a visit. The matter have to do with some financial matters. She is still in hospital. The Government is refusing to shed light on the story. This is a big humiliation for Senegalese."
Mboup says he supports the musician call for Wade to step down. He says Wade betrayed Senegalese and it was about time for him to consider leaving office. " The Government's move to deport the reggae star is undemocratic. He has not committed any crime that should warrant such heavy-handedness." he said.
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