Africa News
Protester killed as Senegal's opposition keeps up demonstrations
Feb 1, 2012, 10:43 GMT
Johannesburg - Protesters and police have clashed in Dakar, with one demonstrator reported dead, as Senegal's opposition pledged to continue with protests against the president ahead of elections this month.
According to broadcaster Radio France International, the protester was run over by a police vehicle late Tuesday, although authorities have denied any wrongdoing.
Two protesters were killed in northern Senegal earlier this week, and a police officer died in clashes last week.
Serigne Mbacke Ndiaye, a spokesman for the presidency, appealed for calm, saying 'the state has the means to ensure order.'
He pledged that the coming elections on February 26 would be fair.
President Abdoulaye Wade will be seeking a third term in office. The opposition, headed by the June 23 Movement (M23), wants him to step down, saying the constitution only allows a president to sit for two terms.
The country's courts have, however, rejected all petitions against his candidacy, while also blocking internationally-renowned singer Youssou N'dour's application to run for president against the incumbent.
Amnesty International and other rights group have condemned the police crackdown on protests.
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