For the restoration of constitutional order and strict compliance with the electoral calendar, to name but a few, the “Aar Sunu Election” platform orchestrated, this Saturday, February 17, a silent march, calling on Senegalese citizens to continue the mobilization in remaining alert, to monitor the entire progress of the Republican calendar in accordance with legal provisions.
The Sipres roundabout, on the Northern Clearance Route (Vdn), saw an influx of men and women of all ages this Saturday, February 17, united by the ardent desire to defend democracy. 11:30 a.m., the procession of the platform “Aar Sunu election” (protect our election) started moving. Its members determined to make their voices heard in a deafening silence. Accompanied by the shrill noise of motorcycle horns and under a police and gendarmerie escort, the crowd moved forward with a determined step in the two lanes of Liberté 6. The slogans resounded in the air, expressing the collective desire to see respect the electoral calendar and to put an end to any attempt to destabilize the democratic process.
Among the most recurring songs, we could hear “Macky Sall dictator”, “Free Sonko”. Clear expressions of anger and frustration at political maneuvers perceived as attacks on democracy. As they moved forward, their determination was palpable, and they sang the famous song dedicated to Sonko “Sonko namenala” (Sonko, we miss you). Wearing t-shirts in the name of the “Aar sunu Election” collective or flags in the colors of Senegal, the demonstrators also brandished signs on which we could read, among other things: “Respect for the electoral calendar”, “No to the vote”. Constitutional State”, “Election by force”, “Free Senegal”, “Terminus 2”. Slogans reminding the choice of the deadline for holding the presidential election. In its manifesto, the “Aar Sunu Election” platform expressed its concerns to the President of the Republic, Macky Sall. Its members thus demand that the President of the Republic organize the presidential election on time for a transfer of powers to the new President elected at the end of this election. On this, they invite the Senegalese to stand up for the restoration of constitutional order and strict respect for the Republican calendar. They also call on citizens to continue the mobilization while remaining alert, to monitor the full progress of the Republican calendar according to legal provisions.
Another demand, they invite the Constitutional Council to maintain this watchdog posture, in order to supervise the electoral process until the end, which ends, according to them, on April 2.
“This march is a real victory for democracy”
Despite the presence of the police, the atmosphere was peaceful and resolute. Representatives of civil society and opposition political parties also took the floor to express their support for the cause and call for unity in the fight for democracy. Among the voices that were raised, that of Amadou Elimane Kane, poet-writer, resonated with particular force. “We are vigilant. The People are standing up and want to free themselves from these politicians who are holding us hostage. It is high time that we defend our republican values of justice and peace. This march is a real victory for democracy,” he declared with conviction.
The artist Malal Tall alias “Sick Madman”, for his part, underlined the crucial importance of respect for democratic institutions. “We must salute the responsible posture of the Constitutional Council, which has preserved the foundations of our democracy. No one can free themselves from constitutional rules. Senegal, a model of democracy in Africa, must be able to count on honest judges to guarantee the rule of law,” he firmly asserted, emphasizing that there are limits that must not be reached, and the Constitutional Council ensured that these limits were not reached. “Protecting the Constitution, enforcing the Law, means respecting the People. The Senegalese stood up to President Macky Sall. There were mobilizations on the ground which cost the lives of many young Senegalese who became martyrs,” said “Fou Malady”, who was one of the artists who fought to obtain the release of Mor Talla Guèye aka “Nit-Dof.”
Ensure a legal transition of power on April 3
In this same vein, the Secretary General of the trade union center of the General Organization of Workers of Senegal (Ogts), Mamadou Goudiaby, highlighted the importance of electoral transparency. “We ask that the internet not be cut off and that the press be free to publish the results office by office. Senegal must have a new President before April 2. No electoral hold-up, no internet shutdown. The Senegalese people are standing up, and the Republican calendar must be respected,” he insisted with determination.
As clear-cut as Mr. Goudiaby in his statements, the president of the Agir movement, Thierno Bocoum, underlines the urgency of the situation, reminding President Macky Sall of the imminent end of his mandate. “It is imperative that the President understands that April 2 marks the end of his term. We must organize for an election before then. Senegalese democracy must be preserved,” he insisted.
In a burst of resilience and determination, Professor Malick Diagne, head of the Philosophy department at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, welcomed the national and international mobilization in favor of democratic rights in Senegal. “The People are taking back control of their destiny to remind politicians that elections belong to the People. We must ensure a legal transition of power on April 3,” he said.
Mame Ousmane Wade, member of the Front for an Anti-Imperialist, Popular and Pan-African Revolution (Frappe) France Dégage, also expressed the fierce desire of the Senegalese people to defend their democratic rights. “We demand absolute respect for the Constitution and the organization of a free and transparent election. Senegal must move towards a third alternation beneficial for all,” he said in front of a crowd chanting “Sonko namenala”.
At 12:50 p.m., while the sun was at its zenith, the procession finally reached a few meters from the Liberté 6 roundabout, its convergence point. Here, every street corner, every intersection, was carefully monitored by Security Forces, ensuring the smooth progress of this authorized silent march.