The death toll amid protests in Senegal over the postponement of the presidential elections until December has climbed to three, as concerns grow that one of the remaining democracies in coup-hit West Africa is under threat.

The announcement of the delay just three weeks ahead of the planned February&nbsp;25 vote triggered violent clashes on Friday between protesters and police in Dakar and several other cities, in a wave of unrest that many fear will spill over into protracted instability.

WATCH |&nbsp;Senegal: Protests, stone pelting reported in Dakar for postponement of elections

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President Macky Sall has said the delay is necessary because electoral disputes threatened the credibility of the poll, but some opposition lawmakers have denounced the move as an "institutional coup."

As the public outcry mounts, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS and foreign powers have urged Sall to put the country back on a regular electoral footing.

The death of one young man amid reported protests in the southern city of Zinguinchor on Saturday evening took the number of those killed since Friday to three, according to Cartogra Free Senegal (CFS), a civil society platform tracking casualties.

"We tried to save him when he arrived at hospital and unfortunately he died in intensive care," Ndiame Diop, the manager of Ziguinchor hospital, told Reuters, saying it was not possible to determine the exact cause of death without an autopsy.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senegals-former-pm-aminata-toure-arrested-as-police-and-protesters-clash-over-indefinite-election-delay-686964">Senegal’s former PM Aminata Toure arrested as police and protesters clash over indefinite election delay</a>

A spokesperson for the interior ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The ministry has so far confirmed only one death, a student in the northern city of Saint-Louis on Friday. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm a reported second death: a 23-year-old merchant on the outskirts of Dakar, according to CFS.

The US&nbsp;Bureau of African Affairs said in an online post on Saturday that it was saddened to learn of the first two deaths.

"We urge all parties to act in a peaceful and measured manner, and we continue to call on President Sall to restore the electoral calendar, restore confidence, and bring calm to the situation," it said.

What happens next is not clear.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-in-senegal-after-opposition-leader-ousmane-sonko-was-charged-and-detained-621165">Clashes erupt in Senegal after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko charged and detained</a>

Opposition lawmakers and presidential candidates who reject the postponement have filed legal challenges and said they will refuse to recognise Sall as president after his original mandate expires in early April.

The postponement bill backed by parliament included the extension of his tenure until his successor is installed after the election now reset for December 15.&nbsp;

"If President Macky Sall does not restore power to us on April 3, we will set up a parallel government of national unity," opposition lawmaker Guy Marius Sagna said on the radio on Sunday.

The death toll amid protests in Senegal over the postponement of the presidential elections until December has climbed to three, as concerns grow that one of the remaining democracies in coup-hit West Africa is under threat.

The death toll amid protests in Senegal over the postponement of the presidential elections until December has climbed to three, as concerns grow that one of the remaining democracies in coup-hit West Africa is under threat. The announcement of the delay just three weeks ahead of the planned February 25 vote triggered violent clashes on Friday between protesters and police in Dakar and several other cities, in a wave of unrest that many fear will spill over into protracted instability. WATCH | Senegal: Protests, stone pelting reported in Dakar for postponement of elections President Macky Sall has said the delay is necessary because electoral disputes threatened the credibility of the poll, but some opposition lawmakers have denounced the move as an "institutional coup." As the public outcry mounts, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS and foreign powers have urged Sall to put the country back on a regular electoral footing. The death of one young man amid reported protests in the southern city of Zinguinchor on Saturday evening took the number of those killed since Friday to three, according to Cartogra Free Senegal (CFS), a civil society platform tracking casualties. "We tried to save him when he arrived at hospital and unfortunately he died in intensive care," Ndiame Diop, the manager of Ziguinchor hospital, told Reuters, saying it was not possible to determine the exact cause of death without an autopsy. ALSO READ | Senegal’s former PM Aminata Toure arrested as police and protesters clash over indefinite election delay A spokesperson for the interior ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The ministry has so far confirmed only one death, a student in the northern city of Saint-Louis on Friday. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm a reported second death: a 23-year-old merchant on the outskirts of Dakar, according to CFS. The US Bureau of African Affairs said in an online post on Saturday that it was saddened to learn of the first two deaths. "We urge all parties to act in a peaceful and measured manner, and we continue to call on President Sall to restore the electoral calendar, restore confidence, and bring calm to the situation," it said. What happens next is not clear. ALSO READ | Clashes erupt in Senegal after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko charged and detained Opposition lawmakers and presidential candidates who reject the postponement have filed legal challenges and said they will refuse to recognise Sall as president after his original mandate expires in early April. The postponement bill backed by parliament included the extension of his tenure until his successor is installed after the election now reset for December 15. "If President Macky Sall does not restore power to us on April 3, we will set up a parallel government of national unity," opposition lawmaker Guy Marius Sagna said on the radio on Sunday.

Senegal unrest: Three dead amid protests over delayed presidential elections

Senegal’s former prime minister Aminata Toure, now a leading opposition figure, was arrested on Sunday (Feb 4) in the capital Dakar amid protests against the indefinite postponement of the presidential election, reported news agency AFP. Meanwhile, chaos erupted in the capital city as hundreds took to the streets over the delay and clashed with the police.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests in Dakar, former PM arrested</h2>

Hundreds of opposition party supporters and police clashed after Senegalese President Macky Sall announced an indefinite postponement of a presidential election set for February 25, a day before official campaigning was due to begin.&nbsp;

Sall&nbsp;on Saturday (Feb 3) cited a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court over the rejection of candidates as the reason for his intervention. The move has since sparked a wave of international concern and has been called by some opposition and civil society groups an “institutional coup”.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Senegal: President Macky Sall has announced postponement of presidential polls

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In the early signs of pushback against the postponement, around 200 protesters took to the streets waving Senegalese flags or wearing the jersey of the national football team early afternoon and blocked traffic on one of Dakar’s main streets. Some even burned tyres and threw rocks at the police.&nbsp;

This prompted the riot police to fire tear gas into the crowd and detain protesters. At least two opposition presidential candidates were reportedly detained by security forces.&nbsp;

Senegal’s former prime minister Toure was arrested, opposition deputy Guy Marius Sagna told AFP. “I confirm that Aminata Toure has been arrested by the gendarmes,” said Sagna.&nbsp;

Notably, Toure was appointed prime minister by the Sall before joining the opposition. Meanwhile, in an online post, candidate Daouda Ndiaye said he was attacked by police.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senegal-president-postpones-presidential-election-686774">Senegal president postpones presidential election</a>

The former PM later confirmed that she had been detained and taken to a police station as she got out of her vehicle and called the incumbent president’s postponement an “unprecedented democratic regression.”&nbsp;

Further protests are expected outside parliament on Monday (Feb 5). Notably, Senegal has never delayed a presidential vote. The announcement has plunged the country, once known as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, into chaos and uncertainty.&nbsp;

<h2>Other countries react</h2>

After Sall’s announcement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed concern about the circumstances that led to the postponement of the elections and called for a new date to be set quickly.&nbsp;

France, on Sunday, also called on the Senegalese president to end the “uncertainty” created and called for a vote “as soon as possible”.&nbsp;

“We call on authorities to end the uncertainty about the electoral calendar so the vote can be held as soon as possible, under the rules of Senegalese democracy,” said the French foreign ministry, in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-28-killed-after-attack-on-bakery-in-russian-controlled-city-zelensky-visits-frontline-village-686934">Ukraine war: Bakery blast toll rises to 28 in Russia-held city; Zelensky visits frontline</a>

The European Union spokesperson Nabila Massrali echoed a similar call and said that the 27-nation bloc calls on “all actors to work...for the staging of a transparent, inclusive and credible election as soon as possible.”&nbsp;

The US State Department urged Senegal to “swiftly” set a date for a “timely, free and fair election,” in a post on X. It added, “We acknowledge allegations of irregularities, but we are deeply concerned about the disruption to the presidential electoral calendar.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Senegal’s former prime minister Aminata Toure, now a leading opposition figure, was arrested on Sunday (Feb 4) in the capital Dakar amid protests against the indefinite postponement of the presidential election, reported news agency AFP.

Senegal’s former prime minister Aminata Toure, now a leading opposition figure, was arrested on Sunday (Feb 4) in the capital Dakar amid protests against the indefinite postponement of the presidential election, reported news agency AFP. Meanwhile, chaos erupted in the capital city as hundreds took to the streets over the delay and clashed with the police. Protests in Dakar, former PM arrested Hundreds of opposition party supporters and police clashed after Senegalese President Macky Sall announced an indefinite postponement of a presidential election set for February 25, a day before official campaigning was due to begin. Sall on Saturday (Feb 3) cited a dispute between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court over the rejection of candidates as the reason for his intervention. The move has since sparked a wave of international concern and has been called by some opposition and civil society groups an “institutional coup”. WATCH | Senegal: President Macky Sall has announced postponement of presidential polls In the early signs of pushback against the postponement, around 200 protesters took to the streets waving Senegalese flags or wearing the jersey of the national football team early afternoon and blocked traffic on one of Dakar’s main streets. Some even burned tyres and threw rocks at the police. This prompted the riot police to fire tear gas into the crowd and detain protesters. At least two opposition presidential candidates were reportedly detained by security forces. Senegal’s former prime minister Toure was arrested, opposition deputy Guy Marius Sagna told AFP. “I confirm that Aminata Toure has been arrested by the gendarmes,” said Sagna. Notably, Toure was appointed prime minister by the Sall before joining the opposition. Meanwhile, in an online post, candidate Daouda Ndiaye said he was attacked by police. ALSO READ | Senegal president postpones presidential election The former PM later confirmed that she had been detained and taken to a police station as she got out of her vehicle and called the incumbent president’s postponement an “unprecedented democratic regression.” Further protests are expected outside parliament on Monday (Feb 5). Notably, Senegal has never delayed a presidential vote. The announcement has plunged the country, once known as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, into chaos and uncertainty. Other countries react After Sall’s announcement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed concern about the circumstances that led to the postponement of the elections and called for a new date to be set quickly. France, on Sunday, also called on the Senegalese president to end the “uncertainty” created and called for a vote “as soon as possible”. “We call on authorities to end the uncertainty about the electoral calendar so the vote can be held as soon as possible, under the rules of Senegalese democracy,” said the French foreign ministry, in a statement. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Bakery blast toll rises to 28 in Russia-held city; Zelensky visits frontline The European Union spokesperson Nabila Massrali echoed a similar call and said that the 27-nation bloc calls on “all actors to work...for the staging of a transparent, inclusive and credible election as soon as possible.” The US State Department urged Senegal to “swiftly” set a date for a “timely, free and fair election,” in a post on X. It added, “We acknowledge allegations of irregularities, but we are deeply concerned about the disruption to the presidential electoral calendar.” (With inputs from agencies)

Senegal’s former PM Aminata Toure arrested as police and protesters clash over indefinite election delay

Sporadic demonstrations broke out on Monday (July 31) across Senegal’s capital after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was charged with fomenting insurrection and detained.&nbsp;

The key opposition figure and President Macky Sall’s fiercest critic is in the midst of facing multiple legal woes which claims have been designed to keep the presidential candidate out of politics.&nbsp;

<h2>Sonko’s lawyer about the charges and arrest</h2>

Sonko “has been charged and placed in custody,” lawyer Ousseynou Ngom told AFP. This comes after the leading opposition figure was charged with undermining state security, criminal association with a terrorist body, disseminating false news and theft, last week.&nbsp;

Sonko was remanded in custody by a judge on these charges, on Monday. “We think it was a political order that was unfortunately carried out by a judge,” said the opposition leader’s lawyer, Babacar Ndiaye.&nbsp;

Sonko, who denies wrongdoing, was detained last week following a scuffle with security forces outside his home in the Senegalese capital. He also announced a hunger strike on Sunday, while in detention.&nbsp;

According to his lawyers, there was no limit to his detention time as the new charges are criminal, reported AFP. “It’s a farce,” Cire Cledor Ly, one of Sonko’s lawyers, told reporters. “It’s a plot that was formed, thought out, planned and executed.”&nbsp;

The opposition leader, who was arrested on Friday, on new criminal charges was also sentenced to two years in prison for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senegal-opposition-leader-ousmane-sonko-sentenced-to-two-years-in-prison-verdict-sparks-protests-599242">“corrupting youth,”</a> last month, but was not arrested then.&nbsp;

The verdict, in June, had since sparked protests which led to the death of at least 24 people, according to Amnesty International, and 30 according to Sonko’s party.

<h2>Protests and clashes in Dakar</h2>

According to a report by Reuters, protesters blocked the highway into Dakar on Monday with burnt tyres and trucks, this was prior to the judge’s ruling in the latest case. Sporadic groups of protesters also clashed with police, who fired tear gas, reported the news agency.&nbsp;

<h2>Government dissolves opposition party &nbsp;</h2>

Senegal’s interior minister, on Monday, said that it had dissolved Sonko’s PASTEF party for rallying supporters into stoking unrest when massive protests broke out in June. The government has also restricted internet access due to the spread of “hateful and subversive messages” on social media.

This comes a day after Sonko had called on Senegalese people to “stand up” and “resist...oppression”. After the announcement, Amnesty International took to X, formerly known as Twitter to condemn the internet restrictions and called it an “attack on freedom of information”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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Sporadic demonstrations broke out on Monday (July 31) across Senegal’s capital after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was charged with fomenting insurrection and detained.

Sporadic demonstrations broke out on Monday (July 31) across Senegal’s capital after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was charged with fomenting insurrection and detained. The key opposition figure and President Macky Sall’s fiercest critic is in the midst of facing multiple legal woes which claims have been designed to keep the presidential candidate out of politics. Sonko’s lawyer about the charges and arrest Sonko “has been charged and placed in custody,” lawyer Ousseynou Ngom told AFP. This comes after the leading opposition figure was charged with undermining state security, criminal association with a terrorist body, disseminating false news and theft, last week. Sonko was remanded in custody by a judge on these charges, on Monday. “We think it was a political order that was unfortunately carried out by a judge,” said the opposition leader’s lawyer, Babacar Ndiaye. Sonko, who denies wrongdoing, was detained last week following a scuffle with security forces outside his home in the Senegalese capital. He also announced a hunger strike on Sunday, while in detention. According to his lawyers, there was no limit to his detention time as the new charges are criminal, reported AFP. “It’s a farce,” Cire Cledor Ly, one of Sonko’s lawyers, told reporters. “It’s a plot that was formed, thought out, planned and executed.” The opposition leader, who was arrested on Friday, on new criminal charges was also sentenced to two years in prison for “corrupting youth,” last month, but was not arrested then. The verdict, in June, had since sparked protests which led to the death of at least 24 people, according to Amnesty International, and 30 according to Sonko’s party. Protests and clashes in Dakar According to a report by Reuters, protesters blocked the highway into Dakar on Monday with burnt tyres and trucks, this was prior to the judge’s ruling in the latest case. Sporadic groups of protesters also clashed with police, who fired tear gas, reported the news agency. Government dissolves opposition party Senegal’s interior minister, on Monday, said that it had dissolved Sonko’s PASTEF party for rallying supporters into stoking unrest when massive protests broke out in June. The government has also restricted internet access due to the spread of “hateful and subversive messages” on social media. This comes a day after Sonko had called on Senegalese people to “stand up” and “resist...oppression”. After the announcement, Amnesty International took to X, formerly known as Twitter to condemn the internet restrictions and called it an “attack on freedom of information”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Clashes erupt in Senegal after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko charged and detained

The death toll due to violent protests in Senegal has climbed to 15 as tensions remain high in the West African nation, the news agency AFP reported early Monday (June 5).

The death toll due to violent protests in Senegal has climbed to 15 as tensions remain high in the West African nation, the news agency AFP reported early Monday (June 5). The clashes between protesters and security forces have been going on since a court convicted opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on Thursday, whose ongoing legal woes prompted rare flare-ups of violence. More than 350 protesters have been injured so far. On Thursday, Sonko was acquitted in a two-year-old rape case but was found guilty in absentia of corrupting a minor and sentenced to two years in prison. The sentence could prevent him from running in the February presidential election. Sonko's supporters said the prosecution was politically motivated and he denies any wrongdoing. The protesters have also been angered by President Macky Sall's refusal to rule out running for a third term as Senegal has a two-term presidential limit. On Sunday, Sonko's PASTEF-Patriots party condemned "the murderous repression by defence and security forces", accusing the government of deploying "private militias". The PASTEF-Patriots urged the citizens to defend themselves in any way and fight back. The government, meanwhile, accused Sonko's supporters of "vandalism and banditry". Mobile internet services restricted in certain areas On Sunday, the government cut access to mobile internet services in certain areas because of the deadly protests in which "hateful and subversive" messages have been posted online. In a statement, the government said "Because of the spread of hateful and subversive messages ... mobile Internet is temporarily suspended at certain hours of the day," the news agency Reuters reported. Though the government did not specify which areas were impacted at what time, residents across Senegal's capital Dakar said they were unable to access the Internet without a wifi connection on Sunday afternoon. Disturbances were reported in the suburbs of Dakar on Saturday. However, several neighbourhoods that experienced outbursts of violence on Thursday and Friday remained calm. Around 500 arrested so far: Interior minister Senegal's Interior Minister Antionie Diome said on Saturday that around 500 people had been arrested since violence broke out last Thursday. He suspected "foreign influence" was behind what he called an "attack" against Senegal, without elaborating. The minister also said there was a drop in intensity of the protests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Senegal clashes: Death toll climbs to 15, opposition slams police brutality

A Senegal court, on Thursday (June 1), sentenced opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for “corrupting youth.” Meanwhile, he was acquitted of rape and death threat&nbsp;charges in the same case, which may affect the presidential aspirant’s chances of running in the elections next year.&nbsp;

The verdict has since sparked protests, reported Reuters, as violence erupted at a central university campus where demonstrators set a car on fire and threw rocks at riot police, who retaliated with tear gas.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the opposition figure accused of?</h2>

The 48-year-old has&nbsp;been accused of raping a woman who worked in a massage parlour in 2021 and then issuing death threats. However, he repeatedly denied wrongdoing and called it a ploy to stop him from running in the presidential elections in 2024.&nbsp;

The prosecution claimed that Sonko raped a then 20-year-old woman and sought a 10-year jail term for the opposition politician. The accuser detailing the alleged abuse in the court said she was raped five times.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, he did agree that he visited the “Sweet Beaute” salon in the capital city for a massage for chronic back pain but denied the alleged sexual assault. As per media reports, the doctor who consulted her on the evening of the alleged incident confirmed he found evidence of sexual intercourse.

<h2>What was the verdict?</h2>

The opposition politician&nbsp;has been sentenced to two years in prison for “corrupting youth” but was acquitted on the rape charges which the accusers’ lawyers said they will appeal.&nbsp;

Sonko would “probably spend the night in jail,” said a report by Al Jazeera, “The judge will ask for a mandate for security forces to bring him to jail.” However, Sonko has said that he is living under house arrest as there is a heavy security presence around his home, reported Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

“The decision to arrest him or not depends on the public prosecutor,” said one of his lawyers, Djiby Diagne. “It is still an abuse towards a young girl,” said one of the lawyers representing the accuser, El Hadj Diouf, adding he was satisfied with the verdict, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

As per the laws in Senegal, immoral behaviour towards individuals younger than 21&nbsp;amounts to corrupting youth, which is a criminal offence. Meanwhile, the salon’s owner, Ndeye Khady Ndiaye, who was accused of complicity in rape has been sentenced to two years in prison.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests and politics</h2>

Sonko,&nbsp;who is particularly popular among younger voters, boycotted the trial proceedings but was forced to return to the capital city of Dakar by the police over the weekend. The case has since sparked protests by Sonko’s supporters who have also called in charges against the opposition leader of the PASTEF-Patriots party, politically motivated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, one of Sonko’s lawyers, Bamba Cisse, said, “With this sentence Sonko cannot be a candidate.” This comes as the West African nation’s electoral code prevents individuals convicted of a criminal offence from running for political office and this could stop Sonko from participating in the February elections.

However, there is no official confirmation if the verdict&nbsp;will stop Sonko from running for president. Since the trial first&nbsp;began in 2021, the nation has witnessed sporadic protests from the opposition party leader’s supporters who have denounced the charges.&nbsp;

These accusations have since been denied by the incumbent President Macky Sall’s government as well as the country’s justice system. About a separate case, Sonko is appealing a six-month suspended prison sentence for libel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A Senegal court, on Thursday (June 1), sentenced opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for “corrupting youth.” Meanwhile, he was acquitted of rape and death threat charges in the same case, which may affect the presidential aspirant’s chances of running in the elections next year.

A Senegal court, on Thursday (June 1), sentenced opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for “corrupting youth.” Meanwhile, he was acquitted of rape and death threat charges in the same case, which may affect the presidential aspirant’s chances of running in the elections next year. The verdict has since sparked protests, reported Reuters, as violence erupted at a central university campus where demonstrators set a car on fire and threw rocks at riot police, who retaliated with tear gas. What was the opposition figure accused of? The 48-year-old has been accused of raping a woman who worked in a massage parlour in 2021 and then issuing death threats. However, he repeatedly denied wrongdoing and called it a ploy to stop him from running in the presidential elections in 2024. The prosecution claimed that Sonko raped a then 20-year-old woman and sought a 10-year jail term for the opposition politician. The accuser detailing the alleged abuse in the court said she was raped five times. Meanwhile, he did agree that he visited the “Sweet Beaute” salon in the capital city for a massage for chronic back pain but denied the alleged sexual assault. As per media reports, the doctor who consulted her on the evening of the alleged incident confirmed he found evidence of sexual intercourse. What was the verdict? The opposition politician has been sentenced to two years in prison for “corrupting youth” but was acquitted on the rape charges which the accusers’ lawyers said they will appeal. Sonko would “probably spend the night in jail,” said a report by Al Jazeera, “The judge will ask for a mandate for security forces to bring him to jail.” However, Sonko has said that he is living under house arrest as there is a heavy security presence around his home, reported Al Jazeera. “The decision to arrest him or not depends on the public prosecutor,” said one of his lawyers, Djiby Diagne. “It is still an abuse towards a young girl,” said one of the lawyers representing the accuser, El Hadj Diouf, adding he was satisfied with the verdict, as quoted by Reuters. As per the laws in Senegal, immoral behaviour towards individuals younger than 21 amounts to corrupting youth, which is a criminal offence. Meanwhile, the salon’s owner, Ndeye Khady Ndiaye, who was accused of complicity in rape has been sentenced to two years in prison. Protests and politics Sonko, who is particularly popular among younger voters, boycotted the trial proceedings but was forced to return to the capital city of Dakar by the police over the weekend. The case has since sparked protests by Sonko’s supporters who have also called in charges against the opposition leader of the PASTEF-Patriots party, politically motivated. Meanwhile, one of Sonko’s lawyers, Bamba Cisse, said, “With this sentence Sonko cannot be a candidate.” This comes as the West African nation’s electoral code prevents individuals convicted of a criminal offence from running for political office and this could stop Sonko from participating in the February elections. However, there is no official confirmation if the verdict will stop Sonko from running for president. Since the trial first began in 2021, the nation has witnessed sporadic protests from the opposition party leader’s supporters who have denounced the charges. These accusations have since been denied by the incumbent President Macky Sall’s government as well as the country’s justice system. About a separate case, Sonko is appealing a six-month suspended prison sentence for libel. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Senegal opposition leader Ousmane Sonko sentenced to two years in prison, verdict sparks protests

Senegalese students found themselves at the heart of deadly unrest in the West African country this month, venting long-simmering anger at poor living standards and bleak employment prospects.&nbsp;

Usually seen as a haven of stability in a volatile part of the world, Senegal was rocked by days of clashes between opposition supporters and police in early March.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At least five people were killed in the nationwide unrest -- although the opposition cites a higher death toll -- which was sparked by the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, a government critic popular with young Senegalese.&nbsp;

In the seaside capital Dakar, violent clashes broke out on university campuses the day after the arrest, with hundreds of angry students hurling cinder blocks at riot police.&nbsp;

Some of the youngsters were Sonko supporters, but others interviewed by AFP said they were fed up with deficient teaching and a lack of jobs in the poor nation of 16 million people.

Lecturers often fail to show up, they said, while lecture halls and student housing are packed.&nbsp;

Employment prospects are also dire: Some 300,000 students graduate every year, according to Senegal's association for unemployed graduates, of whom only about 100,000 find work.&nbsp;

"It's all this accumulated frustration that boiled over," said Ndeye Fatou Ndoye, a 19-year-old management student, in Dakar.&nbsp;

"Young people died here for democracy," she added. "We want to be free".

Police arrested Sonko, a 46-year old devout Muslim, on March 3, after his supporters clashed with police as he made his way to a court appearance to face a separate charge of rape.

An employee at a beauty salon where he received massages accused him of rape the previous month, a charge he denies.

He was charged with disturbing the peace during the clashes on the way to the courthouse, and his arrest triggered the week of violence.

But to Senegalese opposition supporters, Sonko's legal troubles fit a perceived pattern of court cases against opponents of President Macky Sall.&nbsp;

Protests following his arrest only abated on March 8 when a judge in Dakar released the opposition leader.&nbsp;

The judge also formally charged Sonko with rape, opening the possibility of a further investigation.

- Missed classes -

Not all students are staunch Sonko supporters, but many identify with his message of change, and his criticism of Senegal's governing elite.

Diame Faye, a coordinator for Sonko's Pastef party in Dakar's prestigious Cheikh Anta Diop university (UCAD), told AFP student protesters had come from all political backgrounds.

"Young people are fed up," he said, explaining that Sonko understood their struggles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to longstanding concerns about employment, coronavirus restrictions also fired up student frustrations.&nbsp;

UCAD, for example, shut for six months from last March in a bid to curb infections.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The move wreaked havoc on the academic calendar. Teaching began again in September, but the university has struggled to make up for missed classes.

Several&nbsp;students told AFP that many overstretched professors simply don't turn up to classes.&nbsp;

"We're used to it now. In these cases, we revise and try to move forward alone, as best we can," said Coumbar, a second-year student.&nbsp;

"I'm not even sure we'll be able to finish the degree," she added, noting that finding a job afterwards was unlikely anyway.

- 'Make Senegal great again' -

Despite student troubles, some remain government supporters.&nbsp;

Cheickh Mbaba Diop, a student member of Macky Sall's party, said that the president had tried to improve young people's lives but that the pandemic had "complicated things."

Last week, Sall said in a televised address that he understood young people's concerns, although he admitted that efforts to create jobs were "still insufficient".&nbsp;

Ibrahima, an English student at UCAD, told AFP that the poor job market, among other issues, meant students were well disposed towards Sonko.&nbsp;

The opposition leader is considered a strong contender to replace Sall in 2024 -- and is a vocal critic of perceived foreign economic exploitation in Senegal, especially from the former colonial power France.

Ibrahima likened Sonko's appeal to that of former US president Donald Trump: "It's a bit like Trump said: 'Make Senegal Great Again.'"

Senegalese students found themselves at the heart of deadly unrest in the West African country this month, venting long-simmering anger at poor living standards and bleak employment prospects.

Senegalese students found themselves at the heart of deadly unrest in the West African country this month, venting long-simmering anger at poor living standards and bleak employment prospects. Usually seen as a haven of stability in a volatile part of the world, Senegal was rocked by days of clashes between opposition supporters and police in early March. At least five people were killed in the nationwide unrest -- although the opposition cites a higher death toll -- which was sparked by the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, a government critic popular with young Senegalese. In the seaside capital Dakar, violent clashes broke out on university campuses the day after the arrest, with hundreds of angry students hurling cinder blocks at riot police. Some of the youngsters were Sonko supporters, but others interviewed by AFP said they were fed up with deficient teaching and a lack of jobs in the poor nation of 16 million people. Lecturers often fail to show up, they said, while lecture halls and student housing are packed. Employment prospects are also dire: Some 300,000 students graduate every year, according to Senegal's association for unemployed graduates, of whom only about 100,000 find work. "It's all this accumulated frustration that boiled over," said Ndeye Fatou Ndoye, a 19-year-old management student, in Dakar. "Young people died here for democracy," she added. "We want to be free". Police arrested Sonko, a 46-year old devout Muslim, on March 3, after his supporters clashed with police as he made his way to a court appearance to face a separate charge of rape. An employee at a beauty salon where he received massages accused him of rape the previous month, a charge he denies. He was charged with disturbing the peace during the clashes on the way to the courthouse, and his arrest triggered the week of violence. But to Senegalese opposition supporters, Sonko's legal troubles fit a perceived pattern of court cases against opponents of President Macky Sall. Protests following his arrest only abated on March 8 when a judge in Dakar released the opposition leader. The judge also formally charged Sonko with rape, opening the possibility of a further investigation. - Missed classes - Not all students are staunch Sonko supporters, but many identify with his message of change, and his criticism of Senegal's governing elite. Diame Faye, a coordinator for Sonko's Pastef party in Dakar's prestigious Cheikh Anta Diop university (UCAD), told AFP student protesters had come from all political backgrounds. "Young people are fed up," he said, explaining that Sonko understood their struggles. In addition to longstanding concerns about employment, coronavirus restrictions also fired up student frustrations. UCAD, for example, shut for six months from last March in a bid to curb infections. The move wreaked havoc on the academic calendar. Teaching began again in September, but the university has struggled to make up for missed classes. Several students told AFP that many overstretched professors simply don't turn up to classes. "We're used to it now. In these cases, we revise and try to move forward alone, as best we can," said Coumbar, a second-year student. "I'm not even sure we'll be able to finish the degree," she added, noting that finding a job afterwards was unlikely anyway. - 'Make Senegal great again' - Despite student troubles, some remain government supporters. Cheickh Mbaba Diop, a student member of Macky Sall's party, said that the president had tried to improve young people's lives but that the pandemic had "complicated things." Last week, Sall said in a televised address that he understood young people's concerns, although he admitted that efforts to create jobs were "still insufficient". Ibrahima, an English student at UCAD, told AFP that the poor job market, among other issues, meant students were well disposed towards Sonko. The opposition leader is considered a strong contender to replace Sall in 2024 -- and is a vocal critic of perceived foreign economic exploitation in Senegal, especially from the former colonial power France. Ibrahima likened Sonko's appeal to that of former US president Donald Trump: "It's a bit like Trump said: 'Make Senegal Great Again.'"

Facing bleak future, Senegalese students turn against the government

Protests escalated in Senegal on Friday (March 5) with police using tear gas and demonstrators lobbing stones as the country's opposition leader appeared before a judge to face multiple charges.

Tear gas fired and stones lobbed during protests in Senegal