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Senegal opposition leader’s rape trial resumes amid fears of unrest

Senegal opposition leader’s rape trial resumes amid fears of unrest

THE delayed rape trial of Senegal's opposition leader Ousmane Sonko resumed in his absence in the capital Dakar as defence lawyers withdrew from the case and his party called for public protest. Security forces patrolled crossroads and enforced a temporary ban on motorcycles as authorities feared another round of protests that have flared sporadically since Sonko was first detained over the case in 2021. Sonko, 48, is accused of sexually assaulting and making death threats to a woman who worked in a massage parlour. A conviction could quash his intentions to run again for president in elections next year. That…
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Police fire tear gas at supporters of Senegal opposition leader Sonko

Police fire tear gas at supporters of Senegal opposition leader Sonko

NGOUDA DIONE POLICE fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of supporters of Senegal opposition leader Ousmane Sonko after he left the court in the capital Dakar where hearings are underway in a libel case against him. The demonstrations are the latest sign of unrest in the West African country where elections next year could pit Sonko against President Macky Sall, if the president seeks a third term, a move that opponents say is unconstitutional. Sall, 61, has not ruled out running in the election which the government said on Thursday would take place on February 25, 2024. Sonko supporters and…
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Senegal leader calls for more protests

DIADIE BA SENEGAL opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has called for more protests against President Macky Sall after being indicted and released on bail over a rape charge that has sparked violent unrest across the country. Sonko's release was cheered by participants in the protests that have buffeted one of West Africa's most stable democracies in the past week, leaving at least eight dead in clashes with police, according to rights group Amnesty International. After being freed, Sonko asked supporters to continue demonstrations, but emphasised they should be peaceful. "We are not asking the people to go and unseat Macky Sall,"…
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Senegal opposition leader released on bail

Senegal opposition leader released on bail

DIADIE BA SENEGAL opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was indicted and released on bail under judicial supervision yesterday, his lawyer said, as he faces a rape accusation that has sparked violent protests. Sonko's release could help ease tensions that have buffeted one of West Africa's most stable democracies in the past week, leaving at least eight dead in clashes between protesters and police, right group Amnesty International said yesterday. "He (Sonko) has been indicted for rape and death threats and placed under judicial supervision. He is going home," Sonko's lawyer, Cheikh Koureyssi Ba, told Reuters. Several hundred people gathered outside the…
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