We, the leaders of local and regional governments gathered within the world organisation of United Cities and Local Governments, UCLG, wish to recall the unworthy fate of the Mayor of Dakar upon the anniversary of his detention.
According to Senegalese law, he should be deemed innocent until the charges which have subjected him to justice with his co-accused have been proved. Unfortunately, he is still deprived of his freedom.
We believe that local and regional elected officials need to be treated with the dignity of the office to which they are conferred upon their election as Mayor, President or Councillor of a Territorial Assembly.
We call for just treatment of Mayor Khalifa Sall and his co-accused as corresponds within a Rule of Law obeying State.
We would like to offer our support and comfort to our colleague Khalifa Sall and his family in this difficult situation.
8 March 2018
On behalf of the UCLG Presidency
Mpho Parks Tau