Senegal: Violence erupts in Dakar following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison on charges of “corrupting the youth”
Violence erupts in Dakar following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison on charges of corrupting the youth. The verdict further jeopardizes his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, which had seemed promising.
Groups of young people attacked public property in various parts of the capital, setting tires on fire and placing obstacles in the streets. Clashes ensued between these groups and security forces, involving stone-throwing and tear gas.
These acts of violence come after the verdict was delivered on Thursday by a criminal chamber in Dakar against Ousmane Sonko, the staunchest opponent of President Macky Sall.
Sonko had been accused of rape and death threats. The court convicted him of « corruption of the youth, » which involves promoting the « debauchery » of a person under 21 years of age. However, he was acquitted of the rape and death threat charges.
The complainant, Adji Sarr, a former employee at the beauty salon where Sonko used to receive massages, was under 21 at the time of the alleged incidents.
However, she did not become a prominent figure in the fight against violence against women, as the case became highly politicized due to the presidential election, and societal factors did not facilitate such engagement.
The owner of the “Sweet Beauté” salon, Ndèye Khady Ndiaye, was also sentenced to two years in prison for solicitation of debauchery but acquitted of complicity in rape.
Mr. Sonko and she must each pay a fine of 600,000 CFA francs (900 euros) and jointly pay 20 million CFA francs (30,000 euros) in damages to the plaintiff.
«We are satisfied with Sonko’s guilt», Adji Sarr’s lawyer, El Hadji Diouf, told the press. But 20 million FCFA in damages is little for the «suffering» she has endured, he lamented.
In light of the electoral code, the decision appears to maintain the threat to Mr. Sonko’s eligibility and his ability to compete in next year’s presidential election. The court did not rule on whether Mr. Sonko should be arrested.
This verdict has sparked a major debate in the country. Supporters of Ousmane Sonko have called for protests to denounce the court’s decision.
Authorities, on the other hand, have urged calm and promised to address acts of violence. The coming weeks will be crucial for Senegal’s political stability, particularly in in the context of the 2024 presidential election.
Sitou
