KIGALI, Rwanda
Senegal’s President Macky Sall called for national unity Tuesday and reassured the Senegalese people about security as the country celebrated its 63rd independence anniversary.
The day was marked under the theme: “Defense and security forces and preservation of natural resources.”
Celebrations in the nation’s capital of Dakar featured a military parade — the first to be held in the city since the coronavirus pandemic.
Senegal gained independence in 1960 from France.
Sall affirmed his government’s commitment to equip defense and security forces o “enable them to accomplish their task of preserving territorial integrity.”
“Certainly, our defense and security forces have the capabilities to ensure peace and security in our country,” said Sall, after witnessing the independence parade.
He paid tribute to young people and urged them to “be inspired by the army veterans to maintain peace and harmony in the country.”
On the eve of celebrations, Sall said in a televised address that he is open to talks in the interest of unity and peace amid growing political tensions in the country.
“I remain open to dialogue and consultation with all the living forces of the nation, in respect of the rule of law and the institutions of the Republic, for a united, peaceful and stable Senegal,” he said.
But opposition groups said they were “disappointed” with the speech after he made no mention about if he will seek reelection in next year’s election amid speculation he will run for a third term.
There have been boiling tensions between the government and opposition activists concerning alleged corruption and the high cost of living.
Legal proceedings against opposition figure Ousmane Sonko have compounded tensions.
Sonko, who has declared his intention to run for president in 2024, was found guilty last week of defaming a government minister and handed a suspended sentence.
He and his allies had been invited by the interior minister to independence celebrations but they snubbed the ceremony.
A coalition calling themselves “Yewwi Askan Wi,” or Liberate the People, led by Sonko, said it is “yet to see Sall take any significant action to ease the political and social tension in the country.”
