Several human rights organizations warn of “instrumentalisation of ethnic origin and political identity” in Senegal. They are reacting after several speeches from public figures after the deadly protests that shook the country in connection with the legal case of the opponent Ousmane Sonko.
RADDHO (African Meeting for the Defense of Human Rights), Amnesty International Senegal and the Senegalese League for Human Rights “note with concern the stigmatization of citizens, based on geographical or regional affiliation”.
Reached by our Dakar correspondent, Charlotte idracSadikh Niass, Secretary General of RADDHO, details: “What really concerns us is this form of ethnic and regionalist instrumentalisation of politicians, whether on the side of the party in power or on the side of the” opposition. Everywhere we really felt that there were either references or hints and that is very dangerous. “
“Processes with heavy consequences”
For RADDHO’s secretary, this development is new in Senegal: “We did not recognize this in Senegal. Here are the ethnic groups, the inhabitants of the regions, relatives. We have also developed alliances between these ethnic groups, which maintain the balance between peace and stability in our country. It is this kinship that exists. There is a certain national cohesion. “
“Sadikh Niass warns now, there is a danger of wanting to shake up these issues in the political space. That is why we are appealing for it to be stopped so that these practices, which are unacceptable and which can have very serious consequences, are avoided on the political stage. “
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