The Senegal Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has been granted freedom. This is amid the rise of protests which have proven to be fatal. Senegal is a West African country that for long has been able to maintain its peaceful democratic status. However, the status will not hold for long following the prevailing political protests. His release comes after a demand from the public for his release. Failure to which the protests would have been worse for the nation. His supporters were very vigilant on Monday as they commenced a three-day demonstration. Even after his release, some of them threaten to continue with the protests.
Reason for the Senegal Protests
The arrest of the opposition leader is the main trigger for the demonstrations. Moreover, the rivalry between Sall`s administration adds to the reasons. Ousmane was arrested for crimes related to the violation of human rights. The 46-year-old is being convicted of cases of rape and causing death threats. An allegation that Ousmane openly rebukes, stating that these are just moves to interfere with his reputation.
Politics in Senegal
Sonko has a wide range of supporters, especially from the youth in Senegal. The previous elections placed him third hence paving the way for incumbent president Macky Sall. However, projections for the upcoming 2024 elections prove Ousmane to be a threat to Macky.
Ousmane believes that the authority is making an effort to tarnish his name. Sonko`s attorney, Cire Cledor Ly, affirms that all manner of conspiracy against him have been rendered futile now. He further thanks the people for the support, which has costed Ousmane`s freedom.
Effects of the protests
The protests mark one of the major protests to happen in the country in a long time. According to Amnesty International’s report, at least eight people have succumbed to death due to the protests. The streets are filled with burning cars and shops that have been vandalized—a rare sight in Senegal. More than a dozen supermarkets have been set ablaze in the course of last week as well.
Sall vs. Sonko
The 2019 election saw Sall being reelected as the country`s president. Despite the great margin defeat, Sonko`s agenda for greater economic independence for Senegal has caught the attention of many. Especially during this corona pandemic where financial constraints have been evident.
Sall won with more than 58% of the votes cast in 2019. Speculations are in the air for a possible third-time re-run in elections. However, he is yet to make an official confirmation on the matter. Sall has managed to launch several infrastructure and development projects in Senegal during his reign.
These are not the only presidents Senegal knows of. Previously, Sall`s son, Karim Wade, expressed his interests in the presidency but was defeated. Not long after, he was arrested for corruption cases and jailed for three years.
Way Forward
In the future, any attempts at protests must be peaceful. It is in the constitution that every citizen has freedom of expression. However, that should be conducted in such a manner to avoid the destruction of property. The Senegal Influential Muslim brotherhood pleads for no restraint in the upcoming protests.
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