Confusion as ex-Senegal leader Wade delays return home

Conflicting reports are emerging over the exact cause of the failure of ex-President Abdoulaye Wade’s arrival in Senegal on Wednesday.

Officials sources said the former leader was held up in Casablance, Morocco after air port officials discovered two different lists of personalities that were to be on board the plane.

However, supporters of the former leader claim his absence is because of a row with Landing Authority from the Transport ministry.

Some who spoke to Nation.co.ke claim that the government is attempting to delay Wade's arrival so that the security operatives find it easier to contain his supporters who crowded the streets of the capital.

CROWDED STREETS

It remains difficult to ascertain the credibility of the two reports. Sources close to the government said Wade’s arrival has been deferred to Thursday afternoon.

Tension was high in Dakar as supporters of former Premier Idrissa Seck, who are opposed to both President Macky Sall and ex-President Wade, also emerged on the streets.

An estimated 2,500 anti-riot and paramilitary police had been deployed in several parts of the capital to address any eventuality.

The atmosphere was reminiscent of the pre-electoral situation in 2012 when violent confrontations left over a dozen people dead.