Fatshimétrie, a leading online newspaper, recently reported on a captivating event that took place this weekend in Bakel, eastern Senegal. Opposition leader Bougane Gueye Dany was arrested for deliberately ignoring the instructions of gendarmes at a checkpoint. The situation led to his appearance before the Tambacounda prosecutor on Monday, October 21, where he was detained pending his court appearance.
Bougane Gueye Dany, a leading figure in the Samm Sa Kaddu opposition coalition, was charged with three counts: refusal to comply, rebellion, and insulting a law enforcement officer. These charges stem from his altercation with law enforcement when he allegedly tried to force a roadblock in order to travel to a flood-affected area and provide support to victims.
His lawyer, El Hadj Diouf, strongly denounced the political nature of the charges against his client. He claims that these accusations are motivated by political considerations and not by proven facts. Me Diouf remains confident in the impartiality of the judge before whom Bougane Gueye Dany will appear. He underlines the dependence of the public prosecutor on the Ministry of Justice, which leaves doubts as to the objectivity of the prosecutions initiated.
Thierno Bocoum, another influential member of the Samm Sa Kaddu coalition, also expressed his support for Bougane Gueye Dany, denouncing a political maneuver aimed at discrediting the opposition. He emphasizes the need for the members of the coalition to remain united and to reflect on the actions to be taken to defend their rights and their freedom of expression.
Bougane Gueye Dany, running for the early legislative elections, will have to wait until October 30 to know his fate, just after the official start of the electoral campaign for the November 17 poll. His pretrial detention raises questions about respect for democratic rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.
In conclusion, this judicial episode highlights the political tensions and democratic issues in Senegal. The Bougane Gueye Dany case underlines the importance of respecting the rule of law and the independence of the judicial system to ensure a healthy and pluralistic democracy.