Senegal Bans Ivorian Reggae Star
Monday, January 7th, 2008Leading West African reggae star Tiken Jah Fakoly has been banned from playing reggae in the former French Colony Senegal, following a Presidential directive, according to the Freedom.
Fakoly, who is widely loved and admired by Senegalese, ran into trouble following a concert held in the Senegalese capital Dakar, where he openly composed a song calling for Wade’s resignation.
The popular musician called on President Wade to step down, as he criticizes the rising corruption and maladministration in Senegal. Fakoly has been known as a radical reggae star. His lyrics are mainly directed at corrupt African leaders.
Sources in Dakar said Fakoly had been banned by the Wade Government from performing in Senegal. He was also declared persona non grata by the Wade Government.
The move followed increasing pressure both at home and abroad on the administration of President Wade to do away with plans to allow his son Karim Wade to succeed him. Mr. Wade has been accused of grooming his son to replace him.
Fakoly is an Ivorian by birth and had been accused of meddling in Senegal’s domestic politics by openly calling for its President to step down from power. Authorities in Dakar viewed Fakoly’s call as a provocation and interfering in Senegal’s local politics.
The musician had told a crowd of reggae fans that it was unfair for President Wade to impose his son on Senegalese. He also said if President Wade doesn’t want his son to be probed by the National Assembly, he (Wade) should consider leaving office. The Ivorian musician called for democracy and respect for the rule of law in Senegal.
He was ordered to immediately leave Dakar and not ever contemplate hosting shows in Dakar.
Fakoly was granted political asylum in Mali following the Ivorian war. Senegal has been his favorite destination, as he frequents the West African country.
Senegal which was cherished for its democratic values has joined undemocratic nations such as the Gambia, in curtailing free speech and dissent. The Wade Government off late had been criticized for its intolerance to dissent. Africa’s onetime bastion of democracy is shattering the hopes of pro-democracy activists on the continent.
President Wade’s son was recently summoned to the National Assembly to shed light on an alleged corruption scandal relating to certain official matters. The said move never went down well with the Senegalese leader as he expelled the Speaker of the House from his ruling party.
Reacting to the story, Freedom newspaper Dakar political commentator Soleyman Mboup said “It’s unfortunate that the Government of President Wade is reacting in such a negative way.
Senegal which used to be Africa’s bastion of hope in terms of democracy and good governance has betrayed its citizens. The government overreacted. Senegal is no longer a pride as far as democracy is concerned.”
