[ 2021-02-10 ]

Clashes in Senegal after opposition leader accused of rape
Supporters of an opposition figure, who is accused
of rape, came to blows with police on Monday in
the capital Dakar.

Controversy has dogged Ousmane Sonko over media
reports that an employee of a beauty salon had
filed rape charges against him.

Sonko finished third in the 2019 election, which
saw President Macky Sall win a second term in
office, and is considered a future presidential
contender in the West African state.

The 46-year-old head of the opposition Pastef
party denies the allegation on Twitter, saying
it’s a political plot created by the president.

He had visited the salon to receive massages to
relieve back pain and said the rape accusation was
an “attempt at political liquidation,” adding
that two people had always been present during the
massage.

“I explicitly accuse Macky Sall… of fomenting
this political plot against me,” he said.

The dozens of protesters surrounded Sonko’s home
on Monday and hurled rocks at police officers.

“We are here today to send a strong message to
President Macky Sall. To tell him that we will not
accept that Sonko be sacrificed today as we did
with the other opponents,” said protester
Moustapha Diop.

“Sonko is a national heritage that carries a
social project to bring Senegal out of its rut. We
will not accept today that he should be gagged,
intimidated, persecuted or taken away as we have
done with the others. “

Sonko reportedly refused to attend a police
summons on Monday, saying he had parliamentary
immunity- but said he would speak to investigators
if it was lifted.

“I left everything to take part in this protest
because Sonko is worth the cost,” said protester
Fama Sonko.

“They want to silence Ousmane Sonko, but it
won’t work. Sonko is the only opponent we have
left in Senegal. All the Senegalese youth believe
in him.”

Sonko’s current whereabouts are unknown.
Senegal’s government was also not immediately
available for comment.

Source - AFP

... go Back