Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – In a controversial move on Friday, December 6, the National Assembly of Senegal revoked the mandate of Barthélémy Dias, the mayor of Dakar and leader of the Sàmm sa Kàddu coalition during the recent early legislative elections. The decision followed a request by the Minister of Justice, sparking debates over its legal and political implications.
When approached by journalists for his reaction, Dias dismissed the situation with a curt response: “I don’t respond to childish remarks!” He made these comments while presiding over the launch of the 28th edition of the African Women’s Cup of Basketball Champion Clubs at the Marius Ndiaye Stadium, where ASC City of Dakar, a municipal team, is competing from December 6 to 15, 2024.
Outcry from Civil Society Leaders
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from civil society leaders and democracy advocates. Seydi Gassama, executive director of Amnesty International Senegal, questioned the legal grounds of the revocation. “Since the authorities did not challenge Barthélémy Dias’ candidacy in court to annul it, they should respect the choice of the Senegalese people. The National Assembly needs his strong and dissenting voice for the quality of its debates,” Gassama asserted.
Similarly, Alioune Tine, president of the Africajom Center, expressed grave concerns about the impact of the decision on Senegal’s democratic credibility. “Barthélémy Dias is a prominent opposition figure who was duly elected to the National Assembly. Any attempt to politically sideline him undermines the sovereignty of the people and poses a serious threat to democracy,” Tine warned.
Déthié Fall Steps Aside
Déthié Fall, another notable politician and member of the Sàmm sa Kàddu coalition, was next in line to assume Dias’ seat. However, he declined the position, reaffirming his support for PASTEF, the party led by opposition figure Ousmane Sonko. “I made a commitment to step aside if the position fell to me due to my resignation from the coalition and my allegiance to the PASTEF list,” Fall explained in a social media post.
The removal of Dias, a vocal opposition leader, underscores mounting tensions between the government and opposition forces in Senegal. Observers warn that actions perceived as politically motivated could erode public trust in the democratic process.
As the debate unfolds, civil society groups and opposition leaders continue to call for respect for electoral mandates, urging the government to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.
