Title: Return of calm to Khossanto after violent protests against changes to the recruitment process in mining companies
Intro: The commune of Khossanto, located in southeastern Senegal, has experienced moments of tension and violence recently. Protests broke out following changes to the recruitment process in mining companies in the region. These demonstrations left two dead and eight injured. In this article, we will analyze the reasons for this discontent, the consequences of these demonstrations and the demands of several human rights protection organizations.
The discontent of the population of Khossanto:
At the origin of these troubles is a prefectural decree aimed at changing the method of recruiting local staff by mining companies in the region. Before this decision, the recruitment process was done through a commission composed of village chiefs and local authorities. However, with this decree, the prefect took the decision to centralize this choice under his supervision, for unqualified personnel. This decision has raised serious concerns about a possible monopolization of these positions, which are normally reserved for populations impacted by gold mining in the region.
The consequences of the protests:
Faced with this contested decision, the inhabitants of Khossanto expressed their anger through demonstrations. Roads were blocked and tires were burned. Unfortunately, these demonstrations turned into tragedy with the violent intervention of the police. According to several witnesses, the gendarmerie opened fire, resulting in two deaths and eight gunshot wounds, still hospitalized this morning.
Demands from human rights organizations:
Faced with this violent repression, several human rights protection organizations, notably the Senegalese League for Human Rights, AfrikaJom Center and the African Meeting for the Defense of Human Rights (Raddho), have called for the opening of an investigation. independent and impartial. For these organizations, it is unacceptable that a demonstration is repressed with the use of live ammunition. Seydi Gassama of Amnesty International said that this repression must be condemned and that measures must be taken to ensure that such events do not happen again.
Conclusion:
The commune of Khossanto experienced moments of tension and violence following changes to the recruitment process in mining companies in the region. The demonstrations unfortunately degenerated into violent repression, causing the death of two people and injuring eight others. Faced with these events, several human rights organizations have called for an independent and impartial investigation.. It is essential that the situation is resolved peacefully and that the human rights of the people of Khossanto are respected.