Karim Wade, the son of former President Abdoulaye Wade, decides to join the popular fight for the preservation of democratic gains.From Qatar, where he has been in forced exile since 2016 following his conviction for illicit enrichment, Karim Wade denounces the violence and looting during the demonstrations that have erupted since the arrest of opposition member Ousmane Sonko on Thursday 4 March 2021. However, it is in favour of the legitimate fight that the people are waging against the excesses of the current regime. It demands the release of Ousmane Sonko and all those arrested in this political and judicial case. This is Karim Wade’s message to the Senegalese people.
Dear Compatriots,
From the place of my forced exile arbitrarily imposed upon me by Macky Sall, I express my dismay and indignation at the tragic situation in which our country is plunged by the murderous madness of a desperate regime. It is the entire territory that is today shaken by this storm that is blowing power.
I strongly condemn this escalation of state violence, which nothing, really nothing, can justify and which goes far beyond the case of Ousmane Sonko, whom I greet and to whom I show my solidarity. I demand the immediate release of all political prisoners.
I bow to the memory of our brothers and sisters who are victims of a regime that has become illegitimate and I express my compassion to the families who are in pain.
I also feel sorry for all the wounded who are often seriously injured, both on the part of the demonstrators and on the part of the police. The latter must be extra vigilant and although they are on duty, exercise restraint regardless of the circumstances in which they intervene.
I know your difficulties, your frustrations and your anxieties. Your current protests are significant of the problems of the Senegalese who, for their survival, have to face a policy that is little inspired, incoherent, without vision for the future of the country.
Since the 2019 rigged presidential election, Macky Sall has only one idea, a fixed idea: to stay in power by all means.
From the intimidation of his allies to the repression of his political adversaries, he makes every effort to serve this forfaiture that our Constitution excludes and that the Senegalese condemn.
The current events are an expression of the suffering that has been accumulated over the past nine years.
Dear compatriots,
I accuse a power that gives priority to political manoeuvring and electoral manipulation.
Senegal needs leaders who respect the freedoms, democracy and legitimate aspirations of Senegalese people. The new Senegal will have to be with leaders driven by the defence of the general interest, capable of ensuring good order and public security and whose only priority will be the improvement of the daily life of Senegalese women and Senegalese.
I cannot conclude without addressing my respectful greetings to our Venerable Religious Leaders whose prayers and wise counsel contribute to the preservation of the peace and stability of our country.
I pray that Senegal will find peace and serenity.
Long live Senegal, Long live Africa.
Done at Doha, Qatar, 7 March 2021
