Protests over Senegal power cuts

0
147
Joy Wanja 24 June 2011 Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the United States, is fast cutting a niche for herself as a fashion icon who is comfortable mixing high-priced items from well-known designers with more fairly-priced, mass appeal design choices. Currently on a tour of southern Africa, Michelle arrived in Pretoria earlier this week wearing a printed jacket by Nigerian-born British designer Duro Olowu. Items from street labels such as J

28 June 2011 Last updated at 02:22 ET

Protests have broken out in the Senegalese capital Dakar and in the southern city of Mbour over continuing power shortages.

In Dakar, several government buildings were set on fire including the offices of the state electricity company.

Security forces in Mbour fired tear gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators.

The trouble over power cuts, which have lasted 48 hours in some areas, come just a week after rioting against the president.

“Hundreds of young people ransacked the Senelec office and burned it,” Dakar resident Ismail Diop told Reuters news agency.

Broken bottles, scattered debris and burning tyres littered the streets, witnesses said.

In Mbour, about 80km (50 miles) southeast of Dakar, electricity company premises were also a target. Witnesses said the Senelec offices there were wrecked and cars outside attacked.

Senelec has been unable to satisfy demand for electricity for years.

Fractured opposition

Just last week there were riots in Dakar, triggered by a proposal from President Abdoulaye Wade to change the constitution.

They were the most serious protests of Mr Wade’s 11-year rule.

He had wanted to reduce the percentage of votes needed to win a presidential election – and avoid a run-off – from more than 50% down to a 25% threshold.

Critics said the amendment was designed to ensure that Pres Wade, 85, would be re-elected next year against a fractured opposition.

Mr Wade came to power in democratic elections, but he now faces growing anger at daily power cuts and the rising cost of living.

Read More:
Protests over Senegal power cuts