According to Les Échos, violent demonstrations broke out yesterday at the Tally Mame Diarra roundabout in Fass Mbao, in the Dakar suburbs, before a wrestling match. A carter named Cheikh D. was fatally hit by a crazy truck. This tragic incident led to violence, including attacks on canteens and attacks on passers-by.
Chaos ensued at the Tally Mame Diarra roundabout when the convoy of wrestler Kirikou, from the Boune Village traditional wrestling stable, passed through the locality. The latter had to face Baba Diakhal, resident of the Arrêt Ma Gningue Sam-Sam stable. Les Échos reports that, as soon as the arrival of the convoy was announced by a deafening noise, young people came out en masse to invade the roundabout and wait for the procession.
A police force was deployed to secure the passage of the convoy and allow the wrestler Kirikou to go to the Pikine National Arena. According to Les Échos, young people from the neighborhood opposed the passage of the convoy, accusing Kirikou supporters of committing physical attacks, thefts and various acts of vandalism. The tension rose a notch, causing exchanges of projectiles between the two camps, which ended up engaging in a pitched battle
Les Échos indicates that the police, determined to restore order, had to use tear gas grenades to disperse the crowd and prevent an escalation of violence. Despite the clashes, the police managed to clear the way for Kirikou’s convoy while continuing their efforts to contain rivalries between supporters. The police also engaged in chases in the alleys to disperse the demonstrators, according to the daily Les Échos.
