DAKAR, Senegal – Two people were killed on Monday during protests in southern Senegal following the indictment and detention of prominent opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, a presidential candidate for the 2024 election, the interior ministry reported.
Sonko, a fierce critic of President Macky Sall, was charged with fomenting insurrection on Monday, leading to clashes between protesters and the police.
His party, PASTEF, was also dissolved less than two hours after the indictment for frequently calling for insurrection and allegedly inciting violence.
The opposition leader has faced a series of legal troubles, which he claims are part of a scheme to prevent him from participating in the upcoming presidential election in February 2024.
In June, he was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for a moral corruption case, which sparked deadly clashes between his supporters and security forces.
On Friday, Sonko was arrested on new charges related to comments he made, rallies he held, and other incidents since 2021.
These charges include undermining state security, criminal association with a terrorist body, disseminating false news, and theft.
Sonko’s lawyers condemned the charges, calling them a “farce” and alleging a premeditated plot against their client.
Sonko, known for his passionate following among the disaffected youth in Senegal, started a hunger strike on Sunday, which he continued on Monday, according to his lawyers.
Senegal tough stance on protests
Protests erupted in the suburbs of Dakar on Monday evening, with demonstrators burning tires and setting up roadblocks while demanding the release of Sonko.
The demonstrations were dispersed by police using tear gas.
Authorities announced restrictions on mobile internet access, citing “hateful and subversive” messages on social media.
Amnesty International condemned the internet restrictions as an “attack on freedom of information.”
Senegal’s fast train link between Dakar and its suburbs was also halted due to “malicious acts” committed by protesters, according to the company operating the service.
The situation remains tense in Senegal, with concerns over the impact on stability and democracy in the West African nation.
President Macky Sall had previously eased tensions by announcing that he would not seek a controversial third mandate, but the recent developments with Ousmane Sonko’s indictment have sparked renewed unrest and uncertainty ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
