FDR calls for a united front against the government
The Front for the Defence of Democracy and the Republic (FDR) has responded to the Constitutional Council’s ruling on the reinstatement of Ousmane Sonko as a member of the National Assembly. In a statement released on Thursday, the opposition coalition argued that the decision does not close the political debate surrounding the former prime minister’s return to his parliamentary seat.
While acknowledging that the justices declared themselves incompetent to rule on the question of forfeiture raised by the petitioners, the FDR maintains that this decision “does not remove” the objections raised against the reinstatement of the Pastef leader.
The coalition continues its criticism of Ousmane Sonko and the ruling party, accusing them of steering the country into a situation marked by “incompetence” and “arrogance.” The FDR also revisited comments made by the Pastef president during recent interviews with international media, stating that they reflect a questionable vision of national identity.
In its statement, the Front for the Defence of Democracy and the Republic asserts that Senegal is going through a worrying period and warns against what it calls the excesses of the current government. The coalition insists it will continue its struggle within the framework of republican institutions and respect for the law.
Beyond the Sonko case, the FDR is calling for the gathering of all political and social forces opposed to the regime. The coalition invites political parties, civil society organisations, trade unions, youth movements and democrats to mobilise and form a broad front aimed at, in its words, offering an alternative to the current administration.
This reaction came just hours after the Constitutional Council rejected the appeals challenging the procedure that allowed Ousmane Sonko to regain his parliamentary mandate, thereby ending the legal battle launched by the opposition on this matter.
