Senegal: U.S. Says Its Disturbed By Violence in Senegal

Annika Hammerschlag / VOA
Protesters run from tear gas in Dakar, Senegal, March 30, 2023.
5 June 2023
The Point (Banjul)

Right now, the eyes of the world are on Senegal, which is going through dark hours. The United States of America, has just officially spoken out on the situation in the country, since the conviction of Ousmane Sonko.

"As a friend and solid partner of Senegal, the United States is disturbed and saddened by the violence and damage that we have witnessed in many parts of the country," the US State Department responded Saturday.

In a statement signed by its spokesman Mathew Miller, the State Department urges "all parties to express their views in a peaceful manner," emphasizing that Senegal's solid record of democratic governance, rule of law and peaceful coexistence is something that the people care about. Senegalese can be rightly proud.

The latest wave of demonstrations has been since last Thursday, when Ousmane Sonko was sentenced to two years in prison accompanied by a fine of 600,000 CFA francs, for corruption of youth. A verdict that has sparked the anger of his supporters. And ever since, the country has been plagued by violent demonstrations. Fifteen deaths have been officially registered.

Read the original article on The Point.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2023 The Point. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.