Senegal: latent tension on the eve of Ousmane Sonko's trial

Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on March 14, 2023 in Dakar. © JOHN WESSELS - AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

Despite the ban of the authorities, the Senegalese opposition mobilized in the street, this Wednesday afternoon, March 29 in Dakar, to protest against the trial of the opponent Ousmane Sonko, prosecuted by the Minister of Tourism for defamation. The opposition believes that the government is instrumentalizing justice to stifle it.

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From our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

Near the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), where the departure of this forbidden march was planned, police and students found themselves face to face with, at regular intervals, throwing stones and tear gas grenades, even if in the early evening, calm had returned, at least for a time.

An important security device has also been deployed in several key sectors of the city, near the university and near the home of Ousmane Sonko, in the district of Cité Keur Gorgui.

► READ ALSO: Senegal: the Pastef announces to file a complaint for attempted assassination against Ousmane Sonko

Earlier in the afternoon, officials and MPs from the opposition coalition, Yewwi Askan Wi, who wanted to hold a press briefing at the headquarters of the PRP, the Renewal and Progress Party, were dispersed, again with tear gas.

Disturbing public order

This march had been banned, in particular for real threats of disturbance to public order, according to the prefect. The same reason had been put forward for the ban on demonstrations planned for Thursday in Dakar, even if mobilizations in other localities were however authorized.

This Thursday, March 30, opens the trial – at risk for his political future – of Ousmane Sonko, raising fears of new unrest.

Schools are closed all over the country, the holidays have been brought forward. In Dakar, shops, banks have lowered the curtain and bus links of the national company have been suspended.

► Listen: Mamadou Diouf: in Senegal, "this tension is a harbinger of violence that could be unbelievable"

Power and opposition have been showing their determination for several weeks in this showdown, and in the perspective of the presidential election scheduled in less than a year in February 2024.

The leader of the Pastef party is indeed a candidate, but this procedure could block his way to the election. This trial, after three postponements, raises fears of further unrest, as was the case during the previous hearing on 16 March.

On the opposition side, we defend the fight "for freedoms" and against the "instrumentalization of justice". On the side of power, the determination displayed is to defend "public order and the security of people and property".

This trial will therefore be a new stage in the showdown, less than a year before the electoral deadline.

Senegal: latent tension on the eve of Ousmane Sonko's trial

Senegal: latent tension on the eve of Ousmane Sonko's trial

Disturbing public order

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