Dakar, Senegal – (African Boulevard News) – On Thursday, a criminal court in Dakar sentenced Senegal’s opposition politician Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison on the charge of “corrupting young people.” Sonko is a candidate for the 2024 presidential election and one of the most prominent figures in the opposition.
The charges against Sonko date back to February 2021, when a woman accused him of rape. The allegations sparked protests across Senegal, with many demonstrators calling for justice and an end to violence against women. Sonko denies the allegations and says they are politically motivated.
The court found Sonko guilty of “publicly questioning the legitimacy of the justice system” and “participating in an unauthorized protest.” The corruption charge stems from a demonstration that Sonko organized in the streets of Dakar. During the protest, he allegedly encouraged young people to engage in illegal activities.
The two-year sentence has shocked many in Senegal and beyond, with critics accusing the government of using the legal system to silence opposition voices. Amnesty International has called for Sonko’s immediate release, saying that his trial “was plagued by irregularities and political interference.”
The verdict has also raised concerns about the state of democracy in Senegal. President Macky Sall, who came to power in 2012, has been accused of cracking down on dissent and suppressing opposition voices. The sentencing of Sonko, a popular figure among young people and the working class, is likely to fuel further protests and unrest.
“The government has shown that they are willing to go to any length to maintain their grip on power,” says Mamadou Ndoye, a political analyst in Dakar. “But they cannot silence the voices of the people. This is a wake-up call for all those who believe in democracy and human rights.”
The trial of Ousmane Sonko has been closely watched by many in Senegal and beyond. The verdict sends a message to opposition figures that they are not safe from government persecution. It also highlights the need for a free and independent judiciary that can uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens.
