The threats, which human rights organizations have taken seriously, are contained in a letter to Archbishop Theodor Adrien Sarr of Dakar, president of the Senegalese episcopal conference, which includes the bishops of Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde.
The letter was sent from the capital on Dec. 9 by the so-called Group of Steel Youths, which says that it has the support of President Abdoulaye Wade, according to Vatican Radio.
Wade came to power in April 2000, after spending 26 years in the opposition. His way of governing this country of 10.5 million has come under increasing criticism.
At the end of their Nov. 29 meeting, the bishops lamented the increase in unpunished crimes and expressed their concern over the threats to democracy and the progressive degeneration of the political and social climate in Senegal.
Wade replied by sending a letter to Archbishop Sarr saying the criticisms were unjust and presented Senegal «as an apocalyptic country in a tranquil sea.»
Foes of Wade’s government have also endured threats in recent months.
