In Senegal, Ousmane Sonko was once again facing justice on February 16, 2023. A trial finally postponed to March 16. The opponent and candidate for the next presidential election is being prosecuted for defamation, public insult, forgery and use of forgery by the Minister of Tourism. Ousmane Sonko had publicly accused Mame Mbaye Niang of having been singled out in a report by the General State Inspectorate for embezzlement.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
This trial of the leader of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (Pastef) party has been adjourned to March 16, 2023 at the request of Ousmane Sonko’s lawyers.
Ousmane Sonko was present at the hearing on February 16, as was Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang. At the end of the hearing, in front of the courthouse, floated the smell of tear gas.
Tension rose after the announcement of the postponement of the trial, on the return trip of Ousmane Sonko’s convoy from the court. There was a dispute with law enforcement over which route to take. The convoy was blocked, the tone rose. Supporters of the opponent were dispersed with tear gas. Eventually, Ousmane Sonko was taken out of his vehicle by the security forces – a car window was broken, then driven home in a gendarmerie vehicle.
RFI also noted a major deployment of the gendarmerie in the Cité Keur Gorgui district where the opponent’s home is located.
An imposing security device had been deployed around the courthouse. The opponent had called on his supporters to accompany him to court for the trial. A procedure ” banal According to the Minister of Tourism who is demanding proof of the charges against him, but a procedure which could disqualify Ousmane Sonko for the presidential election of 2024 in the event of conviction.
The day before, the latter had denounced a “ masquerade “. The Minister of Tourism is asking for proof. He says he wants to see the famous report quoted by Ousmane Sonko on alleged mismanagement of the Community Agricultural Domains Program (Prodac).
This procedure is thus taking place in a tense political context, one year before the next presidential election, scheduled for February 2024.
Several rallies have been organized in recent weeks by the Pastef, by the ruling coalition as well, with declarations going to war on both sides.
In the background: the debate on a possible third candidacy of President Macky Sall and it is in this context of growing tensions that the date of the presidential election has been set by the Ministry of the Interior: it will be February 25, 2024.
#Senegal
– postponement of the Ousmane Sonko vs. Mame Mbaye Niang trial (defamation case) to March 16
-tensions on the return trip to Soumbedioune (corniche), dispute over the route of the convoy, O.Sonko driven home
– presidential election set for February 25, 2024 #kebetu pic.twitter.com/pZwO9hybPp— Charlotte Idrac (@CharlotteIdrac) February 16, 2023
Ousmane Sonko is being prosecuted in another case: that of rape charges by former masseuse Adji Sarr. No date has been set for this trial.
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