A protest planned by Senegal's opposition Friday against President Abdoulaye Wade's attempts to seek a third term in office will be tolerated despite a government ban, official sources said.

Sources from the interior ministry, the opposition and the European Union confirmed that a decision had been taken to allow the protest to go ahead after "mediation" by the EU.

Riot police were patrolling in Dakar on Friday ahead of the protest, which the June 23 Movement opposing Wade's candidature called in defiance of the ban on demonstrations, calling it a "violation of civil liberties".

The rally will be held as the country's Constitutional Council is due to rule whether Wade, 85, can stand again for the presidency in an election on February 26.

The constitutional row has set the nation on edge, stoking fears of violence. - ANP/AFP