塞内加尔民众抗议电力短缺

Protests have broken out in the Senegalese capital Dakar and in the southern city of Mbour over continuing power shortages.

连续不断的电力短缺造成塞内加尔首都达喀尔以及南部城市姆布尔爆发大规模抗议活动。

In Dakar, several government buildings were set on fire including the offices of the state electricity company.

Security forces in Mbour fired tear gas to disperse（分散，传播） thousands of demonstrators.

The trouble over power cuts, which have lasted 48 hours in some areas, come just a week after rioting（暴乱） against the president.

"Hundreds of young people ransacked（洗劫，掠夺） the Senelec office and burned it," Dakar resident Ismail Diop told Reuters news agency.

Broken bottles, scattered debris and burning tyres littered the streets, witnesses said.

In Mbour, about 80km (50 miles) southeast of Dakar, electricity company premises（处所，单位） were also a target. Witnesses said the Senelec offices there were wrecked and cars outside attacked.

Senelec has been unable to satisfy demand for electricity for years.

Fractured opposition

Just last week there were riots in Dakar, triggered by a proposal from President Abdoulaye Wade to change the constitution.

They were the most serious protests of Mr Wade's 11-year rule.

He had wanted to reduce the percentage of votes needed to win a presidential election - and avoid a run-off - from more than 50% down to a 25% threshold.

Critics said the amendment was designed to ensure that Pres Wade, 85, would be re-elected next year against a fractured opposition.

Mr Wade came to power in democratic elections, but he now faces growing anger at daily power cuts and the rising cost of living.