Opposition calls for more protests in Senegal

[Os Cangaceiros]

Senegal's opposition has called for fresh protests on Monday in the capital Dakar ahead of a controversial presidential vote on February 26.

"We call for a protest at 3:00 pm (1500GMT) at Independence Square," Alioune Tine, co-ordinator of the June 23 Movement (M23) of opposition and civil society, said.

Several days of protests against the planned vote in which President Abdoulaye Wade is seeking a third term has claimed two lives.

Demonstrations against the 85-year-old president's attempt to extend his rule have intensified in Dakar, as protesters seized control of a three-block stretch in the heart of the city on Sunday, erecting barricades and lobbing rocks at the police.

Senegal's state broadcaster reported that at least two persons were killed during Sunday's violence.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/2012220103744714135.html

[erupt]

Any information concerning a struggle or multiple struggles in Africa is important to get out.

For example, many southern Malians are fleeing to Burkina Faso and, I believe but could be wrong, Senegal. I didn't see it mentioned once on standard American news organizations, and I saw it mentioned only once on BBC's news, and this was around 3:30am a few days ago, on BBCAmerica.

Point being, much of the stuff going on in Africa most of us never hear about, or hear it too late. I also was thinking the influx of 100,000+ refugees might participate/help the protesters in strength in numbers and be involved, or if there's an immigrant backlash from the majority of Senegalese.

As usual, I can only express solidarity.