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Senegal: Opposition Leader Gets Suspended Sentence for Libel
DW, 30 March 2023
The libel trial and another separate case against Ousmane Sonko have spurred violent protests nationwide. Sonko was given a suspended prison sentence and a fine for libel of a… Read more »
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Senegal: Protests - Dozens Arrested in Latest Flare-Up
VOA, 30 March 2023
Dozens of people in Senegal's capital of Dakar were arrested Thursday as protesters hurled rocks at police and blocked roads with burning tires, while police fired tear gas. Read more »
Senegal Opposition Leader Gets Suspended Sentence Amid Protests
Dozens of people in Senegal's capital of Dakar were arrested on Thursday March 30, 2023 as protesters hurled rocks at police and blocked roads with burning tyres, while police fired tear gas, Voice of America reports.
As protests raged in the streets, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was given a two-month suspended prison sentence and a fine for libel. Deutsche Welle reports that Sonko was found guilty of defaming Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang, a member of President Macky Sall's party. Sonko had claimed the tourism minister stole $47 million (ê'44 million) from a government agency.
Opposition supporters say Sonko is on trial over false accusations meant to keep him from running for president in next year's elections. He's also facing separate rape charges. His rape arrest ignited a violent string of protests in March 2021 that led to the deaths of 14 people.
Much of the anger around Sonko's trial is targeted towards Sall, who has not ruled outrunning for a third term in office, which would involve changing the constitution.
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Senegal: Senegal Braces for Fresh Protests Ahead of Opposition Leader's Trial
RFI, 29 March 2023
Senegal's opposition coalition maintained its call for demonstrations on Wednesday and Thursday during leader Ousmane Sonko's defamation trial despite a ban on protests by police… Read more »
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Senegal: Macky Says Sonko's Fate Would Have Long Been Resolved Were Senegal Not Democratic
The Point, 22 March 2023
Speaking to L'Express in an exclusive interview on a wide range of issues, Senegal's President Macky Sall, who is also the president of the African Union, said opposition Ousmane… Read more »
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Senegal: Good Morning Mr President - Mediate and Broker Peace in Senegal - Boost Our Security
The Point, 20 March 2023
Mr President, peace is a priceless commodity hence every country should endeavour to guard against violent disputes and maintain peace and security for its people. Read more »
InFocus
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Senegal's President Macky Sall has told the government to take measures to preserve public order after protests over the trial of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko left at leas Read more »
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Authorities are intensifying repression ahead of the 2024 presidential election by cracking down on human rights, restricting civic space, banning protests and detaining a ... Read more »
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While President Macky Sall remains silent on whether he will throw his hat in the ring for a third presidential term in the 2024 elections, the country's former prime minister ... Read more »
