Senegalese president’s motorcade is attacked

Clashes erupted between Senegalese security forces and anti-government demonstrators in the regional capital of Thies, where the country’s president was planning to hold a campaign rally yesterday.

Before the convoy of cars carrying 85-year-old president Abdoulaye Wade had travelled the 45 miles from the capital, Dakar, at least five of the vehicles had been attacked by rock-throwing protesters, according to Sud FM radio.

Demonstrators contacted by telephone said they had tried to march toward a major road in order to prevent Mr Wade’s convoy from arriving and were pushed back when police fired tear gas.

The protesters took to the streets against Mr Wade’s candidacy in this month’s election. Despite his age, he is seeking a third, seven-year term in the 26 February ballot, even though the constitution was amended after he took office to allow a maximum of two. There have been protests and clashes with police every few days since 27 January, when the country’s highest court ruled that Mr Wade had the authority to seek a third term.

Mr Wade is facing growing opposition. Twelve years ago, tens of thousands of people flooded the streets to run after his motorcade when he passed through town. He is now accused of paying people to attend his rallies.

He was an opposition leader who ran and lost four times against the socialist party that ruled Senegal for 40 years before winning the 2000 election.