June 1, 2023, was a very dark day for my country and all Senegalese. I would say even more, all over the world, all the friends of our country are certainly unhappy to see terrible images reaching them. I can assure you that I am deeply hurt by what happened on June 1, 2023.
However, it is not because I am gripped by these tragedies, this incredible violence, these deaths that I do not wonder why and does not reflect on what to do so that serenity regains the upper hand over hatred, violence, horrors, the lack of lucidity, and the obtuse blindness of all of us.
Our country was not built without violence or violent conflict. Democracy was established by dint of disputes, and street fights. Even in the party that is mine, the PS, nothing has always been done without deep dissension and sometimes violence.
This is why I would like to speak to my fellow citizens as a member of the PS, elected from my region, and above all a deputy and therefore a legislator to say first of all that dialogue has been the most difficult but also the most exciting path for Senegal to be the democratic country that the world recognizes us. These words that I address to you are to call for serenity and awareness that we will not build this country for development in hatred and destruction.
I will not criticize justice because it is up to her to judge. She says the right. I take note of it. As a legislator, respectful of the separation of powers, I submit to his verdict. That citizens do not accept a court decision, I understand, but is that a reason to experience what we experienced on June 1, 2023?
I do not believe in this way of doing things even if citizens are deeply disappointed by a verdict pronounced where it should be. Every day, justice takes decisions that do not satisfy either party, as is the case in this trial which has caused us such serious problems.
However, I believe, despite this suffering that grips me at the sight of all these dramas, to be able to say that each citizen should polish the stone that populates our streets, our countryside, our towns, and villages to participate in the construction of the nation with humanity and build palaces for virtue without which nothing solid will rise on this soil on which we base all our hopes.
Dear compatriots, let us come to our senses. Let’s talk together. The national dialogue which has just been launched is a wonderful opportunity if sincerity is essential among all the actors. Our historical responsibility obliges us to do so. Let’s find the means to consolidate what has made Senegal an exemplary country.
The Teranga that everyone recognises in us should first mean, in us, peace and solidarity, national commitment to the well-being of all, fraternity, justice, and freedom. May our Lord protect Senegal.
Abdoulaye Vilane is a member of the Senegal delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament and Deputy, President of the Departmental Council of Kaffrine, Senegal
