Rédaction Africa Links 24 with pierre Dieme
Published on 2024-03-18 23:09:16
Amnesty Senegal director Seydi Gassama has denounced the comments made by Minister of Communication Moussa Bocar Thiam towards Wolof artisans and traders in Ourossrogui. In a video circulated on social media, the minister warns Wolof artisans and traders against any intention of voting for the opposition.
“I am not addressing those who are on Amadou Ba’s side. Rather, I am speaking to my Wolof relatives, the traders, the carpenters, the masons, who are in Ourossogui and who are determined to vote against Amadou Ba, it is to them that I am speaking, you do not have the right to vote for anyone other than Amadou Ba in this election. If you vote for the opposition, you are pushing the locality backwards,” he cautioned.
Seydi Gassama considers these comments to be a denial of the right to vote and calls on democrats to condemn them. “Yet another new drift from Moussa Bocar Thiam who denies Wolofs, traders, and workers established in Ourossogui the right to vote against the candidate he supports. These comments, wrapped in threats, must be condemned by all democrats,” he denounced on his social media account.
The discriminatory remarks by Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam have sparked outrage and condemnation from various individuals and organizations, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic values and the right to vote freely. The attempts to influence the voting choices of specific groups based on their ethnicity or profession is a concerning infringement on their democratic rights.
In a democratic society, every individual has the right to vote according to their own conscience, free from coercion or intimidation. The statements made by Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam undermine this fundamental principle and set a dangerous precedent for the manipulation of electoral processes.
It is essential for the international community and human rights defenders to stand together in solidarity with the Wolof artisans and traders in Ourossogui, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Any attempt to suppress their freedom to choose their preferred candidate must be met with swift and decisive action to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
In conclusion, the remarks made by Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam represent a threat to democracy and the rule of law in Senegal. It is imperative for all individuals and organizations committed to human rights and democratic values to speak out against such behavior and work towards ensuring that all citizens can exercise their right to vote without fear of reprisal or manipulation.
Read the original article(French) on Dakar Matin
