Protests Break Out in Senegal as Opposition Leader Receives Prison Sentence

In Senegal, protests have erupted across the country following the conviction of the leader of the opposition, Ousmane Sonko. A court has found him guilty of corrupting youth and sentenced him to two years in prison, effectively barring him from running for office in future elections. The move has plunged the country’s political future into uncertainty, coming less than a year before the next presidential election.

Mr. Sonko was accused of raping an employee of a massage parlor in the capital city, Dakar, and threatening her. The charges were dismissed, but he was convicted in absentia of corrupting youth, which relates to allegations that he had a sexual relationship with the woman when she was under 21 years old.

Mr. Sonko’s fate remains unclear, but he cannot appeal because he did not appear in court for the hearings or the verdict, claiming safety concerns. Meanwhile, clashes have broken out between protesters and security forces, with fires breaking out in several neighborhoods in Dakar and a train station burned down in nearby Rufisque. Protests have also occurred in other locations in the country.

Senegal is considered a model of political pluralism in West Africa and has been an independent country since 1960. The United States, European countries, and China consider it one of their most reliable partners in West Africa. However, Mr. Sonko’s case has become the biggest challenge for Senegal’s President, Macky Sall. It has led analysts to speculate that the coming months could be the most serious test of Senegal’s democracy in over a decade.

Although there is no public evidence to suggest that Mr. Sonko’s case was politically-motivated, concerns about its handling have been raised by some human rights observers, academics, and political opponents of Mr. Sall. The Senegalese government has been accused of sidelining key opposition figures and of using harsh treatment throughout proceedings. In recent years, democratic norms have also appeared to be eroding, with multiple political opponents and journalists arrested.

Even as the protests continue, Senegal has been hit by allegations of sexual violence. For instance, about 30% of its women aged 15 to 49 years have experienced physical or sexual abuse, according to a survey done in 2017. However, gender-based violence is still described as rarely discussed. It remains to be seen how Senegal will address these challenges in the future.

Mady Camara contributed reporting.