The socio-political situation in our country worries us all. The election report has significantly contributed to weakening the social stability which had already been experienced since 2021. Viable and beneficial solutions are expected from this dialogue for the good of our Nation. Today, the whole world is watching us, the whole world is listening to us, the world is waiting to see how the Senegalese genius will once again manage to prevent our boat from sinking. These are the words of the President of the national association of the laity who revealed the position of the Catholic Church in relation to the presidential election report. Dr Philippe Abraham Birame TINE spoke at the opening of the national dialogue convened by the President of the Republic.
His Excellency Mr. President of the Republic, time is running out. If we really still want to maintain our image as a showcase of democracy in Africa, yes, time is running out. And I make it my duty to give the positions of the Catholic Church. The first position is that we must respect our institutions. Today if we do not respect the President of the Republic, we cannot demand others to do so. If we are the first to spit on the constitutional council, let us not be surprised that others who belong to other spheres spit or insult our institutions.
The Catholic Church believes it is important to continue the electoral process. There may be errors in the process but this should not call into question what has already been done. This is why we demand that the process be continued.
Our third proposal is to organize the presidential election before April 2, 2024. This is very possible because the process has been launched and we must give ourselves the elements to get there.
In this time of Lent, the Catholic Church calls for peace and sacred union around our Nation, persists Dr. Philippe Abraham Birame TINE. The presence of the Catholic Church at this meeting clearly and unambiguously expresses the coherence of the approach of our Catholic community. Our approach is based on three foundations which are loyalty to the past, responsibility in the face of the challenges of the present time and the third foundation is hope for the future. This is what has guided the actions of the church in all areas.
Mr. President of the Republic on May 31, 2024 his excellency My Lord Benjamin Ndiaye Metropolitan Archbishop of Dakar we have given the mission of representing the Catholic Church in the national dialogue that you organized Mr. President Macky Sall. I recalled that the Catholic Church is an architect and supporter of any form of dialogue which makes it possible to build bridges so that peace and harmony can occur between men and therefore so that integral development can occur. I have also taken the precaution of recalling that to build a Senegal of harmony and peace, there is no other path than that of dialogue. A frank and sincere dialogue based on the truth because it is the truth that sets you free, he recalls.
