Ousmane Sonko’s first public statement, late Tuesday evening, since his 2-year prison sentence for “youth corruption” on June 1. A judgment which had led to deadly violence in the country, 16 deaths according to the official report, 30 according to the Pastef party of the opponent. His fate remains uncertain.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
On the eve of the Muslim Tabaski holiday, Ousmane Sonko appears in this video message in a navy blue polo shirt, two sheep in the background on the balcony of his Dakar home in the Cité Keur Gorgui district, where he has been still stranded since end of May by the defense and security forces. ” Held captive “according to him, measure” of public order responds the government.
In this message in Wolof, Ousmane Sonko thanks the religious guide who offered him a sheep. He evokes the Koran, but also the Bible and sends his wishes to his compatriots for the feast.
But no new element on his situation. Two weeks ago, on June 15, the Keeper of the Seals explained that Ousmane Sonko had not been arrested because the full court decision had not yet been written, and had not been notified to him. How much longer could this last?
For the time being, it is the status quo, as on a possible third candidacy of President Macky Sall for a third term in February 2024. The Head of State assured that he would speak “ after Tabaski “.