Senegalese citizens have risen up and taken to the streets throughout the country to protest against what is being cited as negligence of duty to its people and unlawful arrest + remand of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. (cont’d)
Sonko, who as been accused of rape, was taken and arrested ahead of his schedule court date, which sparked unrest throughout the nation. (cont’d)
Police retaliated using force against protestors, many of whom are youth. The unrest has resulted in at least 4 deaths. (cont’d)
Sonko and his supporters believe the accusations were orchestrated by current president, Macky Sall, as a means take him out of the presidential run in 2024. (cont’d)
The protests have now become a rallying cry for Senegal, particularly the youth, as they feel their socioeconomic and sociopolitical rights have not been adequately respected by the state. (cont’d)
The multi-pronged situation is still developing. We stand in solidarity with Senegalese citizens demanding their voices be heard. (cont’d)