Senegal’s Opposition Protests Over Libel Trial of Its Leader – Violence, Clashes and Tension Ahead of Presidential Elections

H1: Introduction

Senegal is gripped by tension and violence as opposition supporters mobilize against the government in response to a libel case brought by the tourism minister against their leader, Ousmane Sonko. The allegations came without any supporting evidence, and Sonko’s supporters see them as an attempt by President Macky Sall’s government to weaken his opponents ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.

Sonko’s Trial and Its Consequences

Sonko, who secured the third position in the 2019 presidential election, is due in court on Thursday for a hearing in a libel case brought by the tourism minister. If found guilty, he could be disqualified as a candidate. This has caused anger among Sonko’s supporters, who have taken to the streets several times to denounce what they call a politically motivated trial.

Violence and Clashes

The court case has led to tension and violence ahead of presidential elections next year. Senegal’s security forces dispersed opposition supporters who tried to gather in Dakar for three days of planned opposition protests over the trial. On the day of Sonko’s last court appearance, police fired tear gas at supporters accompanying his motorcade to the courthouse.

Nationwide Protests Planned

As authorities continue to deny permission for peaceful demonstrations to prevent public order disturbances, Sonko has called for more nationwide protests on Wednesday, Thursday, and April 3.

Sall’s Presidency and Public Protest

President Macky Sall’s failure to rule out running for a third term next year has caused outrage among Senegal’s disenfranchised urban youth. With rising unemployment driving popular discontent, Sonko has become a rallying point for those who believe that political manipulation has long plagued the country’s elections.

Opposition Claims of Political Manipulation

The opposition figures are claiming that the incumbent President Macky Sall is using the judiciary to quash opposition candidates from running in the 2024 presidential elections. They recall how previous opposition figures were charged with corruption and barred from running against Sall in 2019, leading to accusations of leveraging the judiciary to sideline opposition candidates.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch Concerns

Amnesty International warns of increased violence with which security forces have cracked down on protesters ahead of the 2024 elections. Human rights organizations have expressed concern about the climate of tension in the country and restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression.

H1: Conclusion

As clashes between students and law enforcement officials erupted at various locations throughout Senegal, there are concerns that a potential Sonko disqualification or another Sall presidential run could signal a descent into chaos in the country. It remains to be seen how this will all play out as we approach the presidential election.

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