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January 31, 2012

Senegal’s Youssou N’dour Accuses President Wade of Staging “Coup” 
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More protests are expected today in the African nation of Senegal
following President Abdoulaye Wade’s decision to run for a third term.
The country’s constitution limits the presidency to two terms, but a
constitutional council has cleared the way for Wade to run. At least two
people — one a 17-year-old and the other a 60-year-old —
were shot dead by security forces during a rally on Monday. State
Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland has urged the 85-year-old
president to cede power to the next generation. Meanwhile, musician
Youssou N’dour, whose own bid for candidacy was rejected, has accused
the president of carrying out a “constitutional coup d’etat.”

Youssou N’Dour: "History is being made today here in Senegal. We are
not going to accept anything else but our constitution, which is very
clear. He (Wade) doesn't have the right to run once more. It's my final
word on this. It's clear and we are ready."



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