Senegal: The Dakar court reinstates Ousmane SONKO on the electoral roll
The Dakar high court has issued a hard-hitting verdict overturning the removal of Ousmane Sonko from the electoral roll, describing it as «illegal». This decision, confirming that of the Ziguinchor district court, was handed down in favour of the declared candidate in the presidential election on 25 February.
Despite this decision, the State Judicial Agent has decided to appeal to the Court of Cassation, thus launching a new stage in this legal battle.
Abdoulaye Tall, one of Ousmane Sonko’s lawyers, called on the General Directorate of Elections to respect the decision and allow the candidate to collect sponsorships from the Senegalese people.
He stressed that the decision was enforceable, even if an appeal was envisaged.
On the other hand, the lawyers for the State Judicial Agent decided to appeal to the Supreme Court, persisting in their argument that Ousmane Sonko’s disbarment was justified because of his conviction in absentia for «corruption of youth».
The Supreme Court had previously overturned a decision by the Ziguinchor court in favour of Sonko, referring the case to the Dakar high court.
The legal battle underlines the continuing political tension in Senegal, with Sonko’s lawyers arguing for his reinstatement on the electoral roll, while lawyers for the state maintain that his removal is justified under the law.
The outcome of this case is likely to influence the political landscape in the run-up to the forthcoming presidential elections.
Moussa Kafou
