Senegalese President Sall’s opposition rivals reject talks

Senegalese opposition presidential candidates on Friday rejected an invitation to join talks that President Macky Sall says are necessary before a delayed presidential election can be scheduled.
On Thursday, Sall promised to step down when his mandate ends on April 2, but said he could not yet set a new date for an election despite pressure to end a three-week electoral crisis that has fuelled unrest and fears of democratic backsliding.
He said political parties and civil society first needed to take part in talks scheduled for Monday, a day after the presidential vote was originally meant to be held.
Sixteen of the 19 presidential candidates rejected this proposal at a joint press conference in Dakar.
“By his actions, he is destroying the constitution and tailoring it to his needs,” said a spokesperson for opposition candidate Khalifa Sall, calling on Sall to announce the election date as soon as possible.
“I categorically reject this sham of a dialogue,” said fellow contender Anta Babacar in a statement. “You cannot hold a nation’s future hostage.”