Protests Continue in Dakar as Opposition Leader Appears in Court

Protests continued in Senegal on Monday, March 8, following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who has been accused of rape and was “released under judicial supervision” on Monday, according to reports.

Sonko, a former presidential candidate who leads the opposition Pastef party, was arrested on March 3. Local media, citing a lawyer for Sonko, said the 2019 presidential candidate was being “charged with rape and making threats.” Sonko has denied the allegations, which he says are politically motivated.

At least five people have been killed during clashes sparked by Sonko’s arrest, reports said. Sonko’s supporters called for “three more days” of protests beginning on Monday.

Abdou Junior Ceesay said this footage shows protesters walking toward Cheikh Anta Diop University after leaving the courthouse area in Dakar on Monday. Credit: Abdou Junior Ceesay via Storyful