Deaths in violent protests in Senegal
At least nine people have died in Senegal in unrest following a verdict against opposition leader Sonko. The politician has been jailed on charges of “corruption of youth.” His supporters believe the trial is politically motivated.
Violent protests have occurred in Senegal following a verdict against opposition leader and presidential candidate Ousmane Sonko. Interior Minister Antoine Diome said in state television in the night that at least nine people had died. Most of the deaths occurred in the capital of Dakar and in Ziguinchor in the south of the country, where Sonko is the mayor.
The opposition politician was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine on Thursday in absentia for “corruption of youth” by a court in the capital, Dakar. Sonko is said to have used his position of power to have sex with a person under 21. In February 2021, a then 20-year-old employee of a massage parlor filed a rape complaint against the politician. The rape accusation was dropped.
Sonko sees accusations as politically motivated
Sonko denies all allegations and believes that the accusations are politically motivated. His supporters also criticize that the trial is part of the government’s attempt to prevent Sonko’s candidacy in the 2024 presidential election.
The opposition leader is considered the biggest challenge to President Macky Sall. The verdict now puts his chances in question. “With this verdict, Sonko cannot run,” said one of his lawyers, citing Senegal’s election law.
Stones, fires, and barricades
Sonko’s party called on supporters to take to the streets. After the verdict, protesters in Dakar threw stones at police officers and set vehicles on fire. Barricades were erected in some places. Tear gas was used by the police. Clashes were also reported from other cities.
Interior Minister Diome said that the use of social media, which protesters had used to incite violence, had been suspended. This included Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, he said.
Sonko came in third in the 2019 presidential elections. He is particularly popular among the youth of the country. He was not present when the verdict was announced on Thursday.