Police arrest dozens of protesters in Dakar as court jails opposition leader
Police in Dakar, Senegal’s capital, made dozens of arrests on Thursday as supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko protested against a court’s decision that sentenced Mr Ousmane to prison.
The opposition leader’s supporters claim that Mr Sonko is being tried for false charges that are intended to prevent him from running for president in the country’s elections next year, which has heightened tensions.
Mr Sonko was found guilty on Thursday for claiming that the tourism minister had embezzled money. Although he received a two-month sentence with a suspended prison term, he will still be able to run for president. Additionally, he is accused of multiple rapes. His rape arrest sparked a series of violent protests in March 2021 that resulted in the deaths of 14 people.
Both accusations, according to his supporters, were made up to thwart his presidential campaign.
The most recent protests started on March 14 and have since turned violent. According to rights organisation Amnesty International, between March 14 and 16, more than 130 protesters were detained, and three of them were killed.
Many Senegalese are enraged by Macky Sall’s refusal to indicate whether he will run for a contentious third term in the upcoming elections. Mr Sall changed the constitutionally permitted term limits, which many fear will be used as an excuse for a third presidential bid.
One of the protesters, identified as Abdul Diop said he was ready to give his life to fight Mr Sall’s government “I came here today to fight against the injustices reigning over Senegal, to fight against Macky Sall’s dictatorship. Senegal is being subjected to a dictatorial regime, to a tyranny. That’s why we’re here. We’re ready, ready to give our lives,” he said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Court fixes May 17 for ruling on Binance executive’s bail plea
Mr Iheanacho said the court would be taking a grave risk by granting the Binance agent a bail.
Heading 1
Alleged accidental shooting by guard leaves LAUTECH student dead, two others injured
The incident reportedly triggered a riot in the school.
Health
Ogun judiciary workers suspend strike
The union said that it would continue to engage the state government towards the actualisation of its demands.
Economy
Naira loses 5.3% against dollar at official market
At the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the naira traded between N1,317.00 and N1,000.00 against the dollar.
World
Germany has world’s highest leadership approval rating; Russia lowest: Report
Germany boasts of a 60 per cent leadership approval rating, a significant increase from 2023 approval ratings, which stood at 46 per cent.
Showbiz
Sexual Assault: Appeal Court reserves judgment as Baba Ijesha challenges conviction
Baba Ijesha, in his notice of appeal marked CA/LAG/CR/544/23, asked the appellate court to set aside the lower court’s judgment.