Despite calls from Sonko’s party for “resistance” and a government shutdown, Senegal’s opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s rape trial began on Tuesday in the country’s capital of Dakar.
Security forces patrolled intersections and temporarily banned motorcycles as the city prepared for another round of protests. Protests have erupted on and off since Sonko was first detained in the case in 2021.
Sonko, 48, allegedly sexually assaulted the victim and threatened her life while she worked at a massage parlor.
A conviction could disqualify him from running for president in the upcoming election. Already, his freedom is in jeopardy as he appeals a suspended prison sentence for libel.
Sonko claims the charges against him are an attempt to politically silence him. The claim is false, according to the official government position.
The rape trial was supposed to start on May 16, but it was pushed back a week after defense attorneys asked for more time.
Sonko was not present in court on Tuesday. He announced earlier this month that he would no longer respond to court summonses or cooperate with justice authorities unless his safety was guaranteed.
Concerns that Macky Sall will attempt to run for 3rd term
The owner of the massage parlor, Khady Ndiaye, was scheduled to testify on Tuesday, and the alleged victim was also present.
Sonko’s attorneys requested another postponement, claiming that their client was not properly served with a summons to appear in court.
Over the phone, defense attorney Assane Dioma Ndiaye explained that his client’s absence prevents attorneys from speaking on his behalf and prevents him from appealing a conviction.
Because people were staying in Dakar to avoid unrest, the city was quiet, and rush hour traffic was lighter than usual.
Sonko and his party have previously encouraged supporters to demonstrate during court hearings. Crowds have gotten out of control in some areas, looting stores and attacking gas stations before clashing with riot police and being met with tear gas.
The former tax inspector has become a symbol of the public’s growing discontent with President Macky Sall, who has been in office since 2012 but has been criticized for allegedly becoming more repressive and failing to raise people’s living standards. His government maintains that this is not the case.
Concerns have been raised that Sall will attempt to run for a third term as president in the upcoming February election by taking advantage of a new constitution that was adopted in 2016. He hasn’t said anything to confirm or deny this.
