President Wade’s envoy attacked in Gambia

The special envoy of Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade reportedly came under attack in Banjul by a group of young people, believed to be Senegalese.

According to information received, the envoy Me Abdoulie Babou, who arrived in The Gambia yesterday to boost Wade’s campaign in the country, was in the capital city to greet the religious leaders, all aimed at boosting the Fal 2012 Coalition’s campaign.

The envoy, who is a lawyer and a member of parliament in Senegal, after he was reportedly attacked was rushed to Pakala Clinic in Banjul for a medical check-up.

An eyewitness told The Point that Babou, who is also the President of the Law Commission in the Senegalese Parliament, and at one time a minister in Wade’s Government, had his shirt torn.

He was believed to be carrying money from the incumbent, President Abdoulaye Wade, for the purpose of securing more votes in The Gambia among Senegalese voters here.

Meanwhile, this paper has learnt that the matter had been reported to the police in Banjul, and some people have already been arrested.

When contacted on the phone, the police public relations officer, ASP Yerro Mballow, said he was not aware of the incident.

It would be recalled that Senegal on 26 February 2012 held its first round of election amidst controversy over the constitutional validity of a third term for incumbent President Wade.

A run-off is scheduled to take place on 25 March between him and his main rival Macky Sall.