Africa News Broadcast 
Source: Al Jazeera
Protesters have clashed with security forces in the Senegalese capital of Dakar on Monday, burning cars and building barricades to protest the treatment of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who is on trial for charges of rape.
Just one day prior, Sonko – founder of the left-leaning PASTEF party – had attempted to lead what he called a “caravane de la liberté†or a “freedom caravan†from the town of Ziguinchor, where he serves as mayor, to Dakar.
But the convoy of vehicles was deemed illegal and diverted to a home Sonko has in Dakar.
Interior Minister Antoine Felix Diome denied that Sonko has been arrested, but supporters and fellow politicians have claimed that security forces prevented them from visiting him.
Police also allegedly blocked roads around Sonko’s residence in Dakar’s Keur Gorgui district. Those restrictions have spurred concerns about Sonko’s rights and the fate of Senegal’s upcoming 2024 presidential election, in which the PASTEF leader is a candidate.
“The restrictions imposed on Ousmane Sonko’s freedom to come and go, without notification, are illegal and must end,†the Senegalese branch of the rights group Amnesty International posted on Twitter, calling on authorities to follow the rule of law.
El Malick Ndiaye, the national secretary of communications for PASTEF, issued a strongly worded declaration on his own Twitter account. Dubbing the PASTEF candidate “President Sonkoâ€, Ndiaye accused the Senegalese authorities of confiscating Sonko’s phones, laptop and personal effects and barricading his house.
“They are refusing access to his staff, his lawyer and his parents coming to visit him,†Ndiaye wrote. “We can tell you that President @SonkoOfficiel is now in prison. We have to fight to free him.â€
Interior Minister Diome has responded to the criticism by telling the Senegalese broadcaster RTS that it is the “prerogative of the state to maintain public order and preserve the security of people and propertyâ€.
In protest, supporters allegedly threw rocks at police outside Sonko’s home, while law enforcement responded with tear gas.
About The Author
