Yesterday, Tuesday, June 20th, the Pastef party of Ousmane Sonko delivered their version of the deadly violence that occurred at the beginning of the month, after the conviction of the mayor of Ziguinchor to two years in prison. According to Pastef, the State is solely responsible for the death of 16 to 30 people.
Thirty-six pages and 22 appendices in this memorandum are presented in Wolof, French, and English. The Pastef returns to the legal proceedings against Ousmane Sonko, “the tracking of party activists”, or even the use by the government of henchmen, thugs, during the demonstrations.
The deputy, Birame Soulèye Diop, launched his quote from President Ousmane Sonko: “Faced with the tragic events that followed my judicial harassment and the decision that was made in the case against a Senegalese citizen who falsely accused me of rape, I wish to bring my part of the truth to the attention of national and international opinion.” Ousmane Sonko has been confined to his home in Dakar for twenty days, according to the Pastef. It demands an independent investigation overseen by the UN and African Union.
Ousmane Sonko’s party also announced a referral to the ICC, the International Criminal Court, via French lawyer Juan Branco. “It’s bluster,” said Armed Forces Minister Sidiki Kaba last Thursday.