27 Dec 2023 | 10:24 PM UTC
Senegal: Political opposition activists plan to stage rally in Dakar Dec. 30
Opposition activists to stage rally at ACAPES Field in Parcelles Assainies, Dakar, Senegal, 15:00 Dec. 30; localized disruptions likely.
Activists plan to stage a rally in support of imprisoned political opposition leader Ousmane Sonko at the ACAPES Field in the Parcelles Assainies neighborhood of Dakar starting at 15:00 Dec. 30. The purpose of the demonstration is to ceremonially mark Sonko's candidacy for president despite authorities' reported unwillingness to provide him with the forms that political aspirants must submit to officially file their candidacy. The number of people that may attend the rally was not immediately clear.
Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business are likely in the vicinity of the rally. Clashes with security forces are possible, particularly if demonstrators become disruptive or ignore any orders issued by police to disperse. Related rallies may also materialize in other urban areas on short notice, including in Ziguinchor, where Sonko is the mayor. Counterdemonstrations cannot be ruled out.
Avoid the rally as a precaution. Plan for localized transport disruptions and allow additional time to reach destinations in the affected area. Leave the area and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building at the first sign of any security disturbance. Heed authorities' instructions.
Sonko, head of the now-dissolved African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF) party, was previously struck from the voter rolls due to his various legal challenges. He was convicted on charges of "corruption of youth" and sentenced to two years in prison June 1, jeopardizing his political future. However, a judge ruled in mid-December that Sonko should be reinstated on the list of candidates for the upcoming Feb. 25 presidential election. PASTEF Secretary-General Bassirou Diomaye Faye has also reportedly filed to be a candidate in the presidential election.
Sonko's legal and political circumstances have prompted deadly 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 May 8. In June 2022, clashes broke out 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.
