The Chairman of the African Union (AU), Beninese President Yayi Boni, has said he is very concerned about the pre-election violence in Senegal. In a statement issued in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, he called on 'the entire political class of this country to calm down and immediately initiate an inclusive political dialogue, to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process.'

President Boni said the AU would continue to monitor the situation, and reaffirmed the readiness of the continental body to do everything in its power to facilitate the completion of the electoral process and help strengthen democracy in Senegal.

The opposition has been protesting last Friday's Constitutional Council ruling that incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade can run for a third term in the election scheduled for 26 Feb.

The protests have left at least five dead.

Pana 03/02/2012