🇸🇳#Senegal: only peaceful transfers of power since independence!
Rich & rare tradition of #democracy in W. #Africa.
Sadly, past 2 presidents toyed with 3rd terms.
Wade tried in 2012 & triggered violence.
Now Pres. Macky Sall @Macky_Sall flirts with same destructive idea.
I was working from #Senegal in 2012 & saw how far then-President Wade had gone astray from initial high hopes.
Like bringing in North Koreans to erect a pricey monument, then demanding a 35% cut of ticket prices because he felt the idea was his intellectual property.
When Pres. Wade tried to extend his term in 2012, #Senegal's people backed him down.
One opposition figure seen in the streets?
Now-president @Macky_Sall
11 years later, he's considering the same play.
You'd think he would remember the forces his predecessor unleashed.
In case President @Macky_Sall needs a refresher on his predecessor's attempt to do a 3rd term...
People died.
Many more were injured.
And #Senegal came dangerously close to discarding its unique democratic credibility & position in West Africa.
Hoping @Macky_Sall @PR_Senegal hears @BarackObama's message.
Back in 2012, the #Obama administration's efforts helped dissuade Wade from bad choices & more violence in #Senegal.
africaintelligence.com/west-africa/20…
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