Senegal Opposition Leader Issues ‘Ultimatum’ After Clashes

Senegal Opposition Leader Issues ‘Ultimatum’ After Clashes
Senegalese opposition figure Ousmane Sonko
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Senegal’s leading opposition leader has issued an ‘ultimatum’ to President Macky Sall, requesting him to release those detained amid a day of rioting that left three people dead, according to reports.

On Friday, violence erupted between teenagers and police in Dakar’s capital, as officials barred entrance to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s home.

According to Sonko’s PASTEF party spokeswoman, three opposition figures were also arrested, and the city’s mayor was barred from leaving his residence.

Read Also: Court Jails Fugitive Rebel Leader For Life In Senegal

Media and the opposition have now reported a third, collateral death from the clashes — a taxi driver shot in Ziguinchor, Casamance.

In a Facebook post late on Friday which was sighted by Africa Daily News, New York, Sonko said: ‘Mr Macky Sall, we give you an ultimatum (to) release all political hostages in your hands; beyond that, we will come and get these political hostages, whatever the cost.’

Sonko accused Sall of being ‘a murderous president’. Referring to riots that shook Senegal last year, he said: ‘After having murdered 14 people during the events of February-March 2021, here he is adding three more victims to his list in June 2022’.

The clashes come as the country is in the grip of pre-election tension.

Sonko had called for protests against a decision to bar a list of candidates for Senegal’s legislative elections on July 31.

The move also bans him and other opposition figures from contesting the ballot.

Sonko, who came third in the 2019 presidential election, had called for a protest on Friday against a decision to bar a list of candidates for Senegal’s legislative elections on July 31.

The move also bans him and other opposition figures from contesting the ballot.

Police fired teargas at youths and used stun grenades to disperse stone-throwing groups of protesters in a number of Dakar neighbourhoods.

They prevented demonstrators from reaching the city centre with the support of armoured vehicles.

Africa Daily News, New York

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