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Ousmane Sonko’s Party Replaces Jailed Leader with New Presidential Candidate
In a defiant move against the government’s efforts to sideline their imprisoned leader, Ousmane Sonko, the African Party of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) has announced its decision to field an alternative candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
Sonko, a charismatic and popular opposition leader, has been embroiled in a series of legal battles with the Senegalese authorities, facing charges ranging from libel to rape, all of which he vehemently denies. Despite his staunch denials, these charges have effectively barred him from running in the February election.
This setback, however, has not deterred PASTEF, which remains steadfast in its support for Sonko and its unwavering belief in his leadership. The party has nominated its Secretary-General, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as its flag-bearer for the presidential race.
“Sponsoring the candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye in no way implies an abdication of the candidacy of President Ousmane Sonko,” the party declared in a statement. “Everyone knows him well enough to know that to his last breath, he will fight without compromise.”
Sonko, a 49-year-old political firebrand, has accused incumbent President Macky Sall of orchestrating a witch-hunt to stifle his presidential ambitions. In July, he was incarcerated on charges of fomenting insurrection, criminal association linked to a terrorist enterprise, and undermining state security, stemming from incidents that occurred in 2021.
Faye, the party’s chosen candidate, also faces criminal charges that PASTEF maintains are politically motivated, the Associated Press reported.
37 Dead in Stampede at Army Recruitment Drive in Republic of Congo
At least 37 young men lost their lives and countless others were left injured during an army recruitment drive at the Ornano stadium in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo. The tragic incident unfolded on Monday night, shattering the hopes and aspirations of those seeking a path towards a stable future in a country grappling with economic challenges.
The government acknowledged the occurrence of the “tragedy,” but refrained from providing further details, leaving the public to piece together the harrowing events that transpired. Graphic images circulating on social media painted a stark picture of the aftermath, with dozens of injured men sprawled across the basketball court, their dreams deferred by an unforeseen turn of fate.
Local media outlets shed light on the circumstances leading to the stampede, revealing that a surge of hopeful applicants, driven by the promise of employment and security amidst a struggling economy, had overwhelmed the stadium’s capacity. The Republic of Congo, despite its rich oil reserves, has been unable to effectively distribute the wealth generated by this resource, leaving a significant portion of the population, particularly young men, grappling with unemployment rates exceeding 20%.
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