SENEGAL: The elite demand the release of Ousmane Sonko

A petition with over 140 signatories from a wide range of backgrounds has been launched. From university professors to lawyers, former ministers and human rights associations, in short there are many who have launched this initiative to put pressure on the Senegalese state in one way or another to free Ousmane Sonko.

In addition to the release of Ousmane Sonko, the petition also calls for the release of political prisoners, in the name of preserving democracy and the rule of law.

Since July 28, 2023, Mr. Ousmane SONKO, President of the party les Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l’Éthique et la Fraternité (PASTEF), has been in detention.

The political leader is currently in hospital, while on hunger strike to contest his arrest, notably for calling for insurrection.

The political leader is currently in hospital, while he is on hunger strike to contest his arrest, notably for calling for insurrection.

Ousmane Sonko, declared candidate in the 2024 presidential election and third in the 2019 poll, was given a six-month suspended prison sentence on appeal on May 8, 2023 for defamation and public insult of Mame Mbaye Niang, Minister of Tourism. On June 1, 2023, Ousmane Sonko was sentenced to two years in prison for corruption of youth in the case against Adji Sarr, who accused him of repeated rape. Finally, on July 31, 2023, the mayor of Ziguinchor was charged with inciting insurrection and plotting against the state, and placed in detention. The Senegalese government subsequently announced the dissolution of his party.

Aminata TRAORE