Tensions persist in Senegal as clashes escalate, resulting in a death toll of 15 since the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. The West African nation, known for its stability, has witnessed unusual outbursts of violence amidst Sonko’s ongoing legal troubles. International allies have called for calm in the country. Disturbances were reported on Saturday in the suburbs of the capital, Dakar, while some previously affected neighborhoods remained relatively calm, according to Interior Minister Antoine Diome. He noted a decrease in the intensity of the protests but
highlighted approximately 500 arrests made during the demonstrations.
The government suspects foreign influence in the unrest, though Minister Diome refrained from providing further details. Sonko, a former tax inspector, was initially charged with rape but was convicted on a lesser charge of morally “corrupting” a young woman, leading to a two-year prison sentence. Sonko believes these charges were orchestrated by the government to sabotage his political career ahead of the upcoming presidential election in 2024. Consequently, his conviction may impede his participation in the election.
Following the ruling, clashes erupted between Sonko’s supporters and the police, resulting in 15 deaths over a two-day period, as reported by government sources. Instances of looting occurred, prompting the deployment of the army to the streets.
However, scuffles broke out in parts of Dakar and Ziguinchor on Friday night. Minister Diome accused protesters of attempting to destabilize the country, emphasizing their calls for demonstrations, burning public buildings, and the collapse of the state.
Sonko, who was tried in absentia, has yet to be taken into custody for his imprisonment, further fueling tensions. He is believed to be at his residence in Dakar, where he has been blocked by security forces since the previous weekend, asserting that he is being “illegally held.”
Sonko’s sharp tongue and charismatic persona have garnered significant support among Senegal’s youth, who admire his criticism of the political elite referred to as the “state mafia.” He has vocalized concerns regarding debt, poverty, food insecurity, underfunded healthcare and education systems, and corruption. Additionally, Sonko presents himself as a devout Muslim and defender of traditional values, advocating for stricter penalties for same-sex relations.
However, President Macky Sall’s supporters view Sonko as an agitator who has poisoned political discourse and contributed to instability. Residents of Dakar expressed fear regarding the potential consequences of Sonko’s arrest, expressing concerns about the ongoing protests and their impact on their daily lives.
The government has imposed restrictions on social networks like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter to curb the spread of “hateful and subversive messages,” causing frustration among users who feel deprived of real-time information about demonstrations and their personal safety.
International actors, including the United States, the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, and France, have expressed deep concern and condemned the violence in Senegal. Washington, through the State Department, called on all parties to voice their views peacefully.
The African Union’s executive commission head, Moussa Faki Mahamat, strongly denounced the violence and urged leaders to avoid actions that tarnish the country’s democratic image, which has long been a source of pride for Africa.