18 Jul 2018 | 09:23 AM UTC
Senegal: Protests likely as mayoral trial resumes in Dakar July 18 /update 1
Opposition supporters likely to demonstrate in Dakar on July 18 in support of jailed Dakar mayor; avoid all protests
Event
Protests, a heightened security presence, and consequent traffic disruptions are likely near the Dakar
Courthouse on Wednesday, July 18, as the trial of jailed political opposition leader and city mayor Khalifa Sall continues. Supporters are demanding the end of Sall's detention, which the Court of Justice for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ruled arbitrary on June 29.
Context
Sall, the leader of the opposition coalition Manko Taxawu Senegal (MTS), has been in prison since March 2017 on embezzlement charges. He was nevertheless elected to parliament in July 2017, without being able to take his seat. In November 2017, the National Assembly lifted Sall's parliamentary immunity, allowing his trial to proceed and prompting his supporters to stage a series of protests throughout Dakar.
Advice
Individuals in Dakar and across the country are advised to remain vigilant, monitor the situation via local media, and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering due to the risk of violence.
