Senegal`s music star Ndour enters Prez race

Dakar: World-renowned Senegalese singer Youssou Ndour has announced he is running for president in a bid to unseat incumbent Abdoulaye Wade whose plans for a third term have triggered unrest.

"I am a candidate" in the February 26 elections, the country`s most famous export declared late yesterday on his privately-owned television station after weeks of speculation about his plans. Ndour has emerged as an outspoken critic of Wade, whose bid for a controversial third term in office has opposition and civil society groups fuming, and tensions have led to violent clashes in recent months.

"I have listened, I have heard, and I am responding favourably," Ndour said, referring to numerous requests that he throw his hat into the political ring.
"It is a supreme patriotic duty," he added of the race in which he hopes to use his massive star power to overthrow the 85-year-old Wade. Ndour, 52, announced at a concert at the end of November that he had put performing on hold and formed his own political movement, Fekke ma ci bolle (`I am involved` in the Wolof language).
"It`s true, I haven`t pursued higher education, but the presidency is a function and not a job. I have proved my competence, commitment, rigour and efficiency time and time again.

"I have studied at the school of the world. Travel teaches as much as books."

PTI