afrol News, 21 November - Senegalese police fired tear gas to contain thousands of protesting street sellers barred from selling in the streets of the capital Dakar on Wednesday.

The irate protesters invoked anti-government sentiments, threw stones, burnt vehicles and smashed car windows. The strikers polluted the air with smoke of dark clouds.

The protesters blocked the traffic and forced businesses to close. The strike a replica of those that happened during the era of the defeated socialist regime in the 80s.

Baton-wielding anti-riot police could be seen chasing and beating protesters in the city's business district firing tear gas.

Described as one of the most chaotic in Senegal, the casualty figures are yet to be established, although ambulances could be seen rushing people to the hospital.

The strike was fuelled by the Senegalese government's to remove thousands of street sellers from the capital's major roads. The sellers condemned the removal order and accused the government of blocking their survival.

Trade union leaders are also calling for Senegalese to turn out in their large numbers to protest against the government's failure to tackle the soaring cost of living in the country.

Besides, workers of the national bus company decided to be in limbo, creating transport scarcity in the city and its suburbs.

Meanwhile, the Senegalese Prime Minister, Adjibo Soumaré, has agreed to discuss with the leaders of the street sellers.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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