Senegal clashes as President Wade cleared to run for third term

Protesters threw stones at police, who responded with tear gas

Clashes have erupted in Senegal's capital Dakar, after the top court said President Abdoulaye Wade could run for a third term in next month's poll.

Angered by the decision, protesters threw stones at riot police, who responded by firing tear gas.

Mr Wade, 85, has already served two terms. But the constitution was amended since he was last elected, and he has argued the law is not retroactive.

In its ruling, the court barred famous singer Youssou N'Dour from running.

The constitutional court issued a statement late on Friday listing 14 candidates - including Mr Wade - eligible to stand in the 26 February election.

Abdoulaye Wade has been in power since 2000

Mr Wade - who came to power in 2000 and was re-elected in 2007 - has insisted that his first term pre-dated the 2001 constitutional change establishing the two-term limit.

The opposition had earlier warned it would hold street protests if Mr Wade's candidacy was approved.

The authorities said the protest would be tolerated in spite of an official ban on demonstrations.

There were no immediate reports of injuries in Friday's clashes.