Senegalese party reacts to government official's murder

By Alpha Kamara

DAKAR, Senegal (AA) - The murder this past weekend of a government official has rocked Senegal's ruling party.

A statement from President Macky Sall announced the cancellation of all planned festivities marking the eighth anniversary of the ruling Alliance for the Republic (APR) party.

The statement signed by the ruling party spokesman comes after Fatoumata Moctar Ndiaye, vice president of the Economic and Social Council of Senegal, who is a key party official was murdered on Saturday at her residence near the capital Dakar.

“In view of the close and fraternal ties between the late Fatoumata Moctar Ndiaye and the party comrades, we support the president’s move to cancel all festivities planned for the party’s eighth anniversary," ruling party spokesman Seydou Gueye added.

Ndiaye was murdered, allegedly by her driver at her home on Saturday, in an apparent attempt to rob her of the equivalent of $500 in Pekine outside Dakar.

Fatoumata Moctar Ndiaye was laid to rest Monday in the presence of several government officials.