Senegal opposition vows fresh anti-Wade protests

[afroboy]

Senegal's opposition on Thursday promised fresh protests in coming days as President Abdoulaye Wade derided their resistance to his bid for a third term as a "light breeze".

The anti-Wade June 23 Movement (M23) called for a prayer meeting in central Dakar on Friday for those killed during protests against President Abdoulaye Wade's candidacy for a third presidential term in February 26 polls.

M23 also urged its supporters to "be ready for peaceful protests to be held across the country in the coming days."

The West has distanced itself from its erstwhile ally amid rising violence in one of Africa's most stable nations.

UN rights chief Navi Pillay said she was disturbed by reports that police in Senegal used "excessive force" against anti-government protestors ahead of a February 26 election.

M23 protests to force Wade to withdraw his candidacy have descended into riots, leaving four people dead since Friday when the country's highest court said Wade can run in the elections despite already having served two terms.

Wade argues he can serve another two seven-year terms from 2012 because a constitutional cap was only introduced in 2008, after his latest reelection.

On Thursday protesters marched peacefully in the northern city of Saint-Louis.

Government has brushed off opposition threats of mass resistance, saying the turnout, around 10,000 witnesses say, showed a lack of support.

"A breeze is a light wind which rustles the leaves of a tree, but never becomes a hurricane," Wade said Wednesday during a ceremony in Dakar.