Despite the ban by the authorities, the Senegalese opposition had maintained its call to demonstrate, this Wednesday, March 29 afternoon in Dakar, to protest against the trial of opponent Ousmane Sonko, prosecuted by the Minister of Tourism for defamation. The opposition believes that the power exploits justice to stifle it.
From our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
Near the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), where the start of this prohibited march was planned, police and students found themselves face to face with, at regular intervals, stone throwing and grenades tear gas, even if at the beginning of the evening, calm had returned, at least for a time.
An important security device was again deployed in several key sectors of the city, near the university as well as on the outskirts of the home of Ousmane Sonkoin the district of Cité Keur Gorgui.
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A little earlier in the afternoon, officials and deputies of the opposition coalition, Yewwi Askan Wiwho wanted to hold a press briefing at the headquarters of the PRP, the Party for Renewal and Progress, were dispersed, again with tear gas.
Public order disturbances
This march had been banned, in particular for real threats of disturbing public order, according to the prefect. The same reason was put forward for the banning of the demonstrations planned for Thursday in Dakar, even if mobilizations in other localities were however authorized.
This Thursday, March 30, therefore opens the trial – at risk for his political future – of Ousmane Sonko, raising fears of new unrest.
Schools are closed across the country, vacations have been brought forward. In Dakar, shops and banks have lowered the curtain and bus connections from the national company have been suspended.
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Power and opposition have been showing their determination for several weeks in this showdown, and in the run-up to the presidential election scheduled in less than a year in February 2024.
The leader of the Pastef party is indeed a candidate, but this procedure could bar his way to the election. His trial, after three dismissals, raises fears of new unrest, as was the case during the previous hearing on 16 March.
On the opposition side, we defend the fight “ for freedoms » and against the instrumentalization of justice “. On the side of power, the determination shown is to defend “ public order and the security of people and property “.
This trial will therefore be a new stage in the showdown, less than a year from the election deadline.