Senegal: opponents Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye are released from prison, scenes of jubilation in Dakar
The country's number 1 opponent, the founder of the dissolved Pastef party, Ousmane Sonko, and his loyal lieutenant and presidential candidate on March 24, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, left Cap Manuel prison this Thursday evening.
A supporter of the coalition of protest candidates shouts while brandishing a poster with Ousmane Sonko on it during an electoral rally in Dakar on March 10, 2024. AFP - JOHN WESSELS
By: RFI Follow
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Ten days before the presidential election,
the two men are free
.
They left Cap Manuel prison in a vehicle with tinted windows shortly before midnight.
Around the vehicle, a crowd of jubilant sympathizers was present.
A young man brandishing the Senegalese flag even climbed onto the rear bumper of the car to celebrate this liberation.
As soon as it left the prison, the convoy of dozens of vehicles took the road towards Cité Keur Gorgui, the district of Dakar where Ousmane Sonko lives, thus creating a giant traffic jam and a spontaneous demonstration.
Along the way, hundreds of people, luminous bracelets in the colors of Pastef on their wrists and the
Senegalese
flag in their hands, took to the streets and cheered, honking their horns or shouting with joy, the opponents.
“
It’s a victory for justice and Senegal
”
“
It’s a victory for justice and Senegal
,” said a young woman who hastily came from home to witness this release.
“
He is the leader of the youth
,” rejoiced a Senegalese.
These young people came in droves to witness this release, which had been awaited for several days already.
Incandescent atmosphere at the announcement of the release of Ousmane Sonko in the Keur Gorgui city.
pic.twitter.com/70JmXNjHTs
— Elimane Ndao (@NdaoEli) March 14, 2024
Bassirou Diomaye Faye was arrested in April for contempt of court after a Facebook post.
Ousmane Sonko was arrested at the end of July after accusations of calls for insurrection, among others.
They were released this Thursday evening following the adoption by Senegalese deputies of
the amnesty law
on crimes committed during the demonstrations which took place between February 2021 and 2024.
Read alsoIn the news: in Senegal, a forced electoral campaign
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