Dear President Macky Sall: Urgent Appeal to Uphold Democracy and End Political Persecution in Senegal

Your Excellency President Macky Sall,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I write to you today as a concerned SeneGambian citizen, deeply troubled by the current political crisis unfolding in Senegal. As a staunch advocate for democracy and human rights, I urge you to reflect upon the importance of upholding Senegal’s long-standing democratic values and respecting the constitution of your great nation.

Mr President, Senegal has been admired globally for its commitment to democracy, its vibrant civil society, and its history of peaceful transitions of power. It is this legacy that has earned Senegal a reputation as a beacon of hope for democracy on the African continent. However, recent events have caused significant concern to us all. As the use of force to get rid of the protesters has led to a significant loss of lives, maiming of civilians, damage to properties, political persecution and repression emerged from within the borders of Senegal.

Mr President, a cornerstone of any functional democracy is the protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, association, and assembly. These rights are enshrined in the Constitution of Senegal and are essential for the flourishing of a democratic society. It is disheartening to witness the suppression of dissenting voices and the stifling of opposition parties in your country. The refusal to accept peaceful protest is one fundamental violation of the rights of the people of Senegal.

Mr President, the true strength of a democracy lies in its ability to engage in open and constructive dialogue, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can be heard and considered. A healthy democracy thrives on the competition of ideas, as it allows for the creation of innovative solutions and the prevention of abuses of power. As a SeneGambian citizen, I implore you to recognise the importance of embracing political pluralism and foster an atmosphere encouraging robust debate rather than silencing those who disagree with you.

Mr President, political persecution of opponents not only undermines the principles of democracy but also damages the social fabric of your nation. It creates divisions among the people, erodes trust in institutions, and weakens the collective progress we can achieve when united. I humbly urge you to put an end to this bloodshed and the political persecution of your opponents, allowing them to participate freely in the democratic process without fear of reprisals or undue constraints. It is not beyond your remit to “Pardon” if necessary, Mr Ousmane Sonko and allow him to continue to serve his people of Ziguinchor in particular and Senegal in General.

Mr President, as a leader, you have the unique opportunity to steer Senegal towards a brighter future, one that upholds the values and principles that your nation was built upon. By respecting the Constitution, you reinforce the foundations of democracy and inspire confidence in your democratic institutions.

Mr President, I implore you to engage in open and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, including opposition leaders, civil society organisations and religious leaders. Encourage their participation and listen to their concerns, for it is through such collaboration that lasting solutions can be found. By embracing the diversity of opinions, you can build a more resilient and inclusive Senegal that can weather any political storm.

Mr President, history has shown us time and again that true leaders are those who listen to the grievances of their people, respect the rule of law, and work tirelessly to address the concerns of all citizens. Your legacy as President of Senegal will be defined not only by your achievements but also by your unwavering commitment to democratic principles.

Remember in 2016, Mr President, you were the first leader to call on President Yahya Jammeh to go when he refused to accept the expressed will of the people of The Gambia. In the same vein, you must accept the will of the people of Senegal and guarantee them that you will not contest the 2024 election as dictated by the Senegalese constitution your regime helped instituted.

Mr President, to further remind you of x-Presidents Charles Taylor, Yahya Jammeh, Lansana Conte, Hissene Habre, and Blaise Compaore to name but a fewall had the same things in common, they were all one-time very powerful leaders in their own rights, they all committed similar crimes against their people, and they all ended in similar circumstances. The question you need to ask yourself, Mr President is this, “Does it worth it?” you will find that, NO it does not worth a single life that has been loss.

In conclusion, Mr President Macky Sall, I appeal to you to re-evaluate the current situation, recommit to the principles of democracy, and put an immediate end to the political persecution of your opponents. Work together with your opponents to safeguard the democratic values that have made Senegal a shining example to the world.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.