In a forceful speech delivered in Rufisque on Monday, the candidate of the presidential majority coalition Ousmane Sonko vigorously denounced the attacks perpetrated against its militants in Saint-Louis. Some of them are said to be in a critical condition following these attacks.
According to Ousmane Sonko, since the start of the election campaign, his coalition's convoy has been the target of several attacks, without the state intervening to put an end to them.
"As a candidate in the legislative elections, I declare that this is the bankruptcy of the State of Senegal. The State has failed to guarantee the security of the Pastef party, which happens to be the largest party in Senegal and which can solve its own problems," he declared.
Visit leader of Pastef direct accusation Barthélémy Dias and his supporters of being behind the attacks. Threatening, he warned that his coalition would no longer tolerate attacks on its militants.
"We will no longer allow our convoy to be attacked. It's over. Barthélémy Dias and his gang will no longer campaign in this country. It's over," he declared.
Ousmane Sonko also announced the return of "Gatsa Gatsa", in reference to a form of popular justice. "Being in power does not mean that Gatsa Gatsa no longer exists in this country. We will no longer tolerate attacks on Pastef activists," he warned.
The candidate said he would be making a caravan to Barthélémy Dias's stronghold in Baobab tomorrow, threatening to "settle his account on the ground". He also warned that if the perpetrators of the attack in Saint-Louis were not arrested within 24 hours, his coalition would take action. "The law of resistance still exists in this country", he concluded.
