Senegal: Activists plan to stage protest at District Court in Ziguinchor 09:00 Oct. 12

Event

Activists plan to protest at a judicial appeal hearing of the opposition leader Ousmane Sonko at Ziguinchor's District Court starting at 09:00 on Oct. 12. Sonko, head of the now dissolved African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) party, was stricken from the voter rolls and an appeal verdict will likely determine Sonko's candidacy in the upcoming February 2024 presidential election. It remains unclear how many participants the gathering may draw.

Heightened security, as well as localized business and transport disruptions, are likely in Ziguinchor. Additional security forces will likely be deployed as a precaution during the court hearing. Clashes with security forces are possible, particularly if demonstrators become disruptive or ignore police orders to disperse.

Context

Sonko's legal and political challenges have previously prompted violence in Senegal. Protests and clashes notably broke out after Sonko received a six-month suspended prison sentence and a fine for his alleged defamation of Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang on May 8. Moreover, clashes broke out in June 2022 after authorities invalidated his party's candidate list for the July legislative elections; the unrest resulted in several deaths. His arrest and indictment on rape charges in March 2021 also triggered riots, vandalism, and looting that left around a dozen people dead.

Advice

Avoid the protest. Plan for localized transport disruptions and allow additional time to reach destinations near the affected area. Leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed instructions from authorities.