© John Wessels/AFP iPlayer, Internet monitor NetBlocks said access to social media and messaging apps was restricted. "What we are living through in this country is incredible, it is shameful," one protester told Reuters news agency. The allegations against Sonko first emerged in February after a salon attendant accused him of rape. For Senegalese musician and activist Fou Malade, the protests are about more than just voicing grievances based on youth unemployment: "But (it's) also about democracy, which has been confiscated. How far will they go to have a baby? We have a justice system that is not at all independent," rapper Malade said. Usually seen as a haven of stability of a volatile region, Senegal was rocked by the worst unrest it had seen in years after Sonko was arrested on March 3. But wetin dey cause dis tension and wetin Ousmane Sonko represent for Senegal? UK economy set to grow at fastest rate in 70 years, Black leaders fear racist past feeds mistrust in vaccine. Police blocked motorbikes and mopeds, which are popular among Mr Sonko's young supporters, from the city's streets. 'We need to care for patients, but also ourselves' Video, 'We need to care for patients, but also ourselves', No damages payout after Byron burger death, Jersey and French fishermen in talks amid protest, Queen wishes great-grandson Archie happy birthday, Murder victim warned police of threats to her life, Malian woman's nine babies face months in care, Ed Sheeran to sponsor Ipswich Town shirts, Alcohol deaths in England and Wales at 20-year high, Man uncovers long-lost golf course in lockdown. She explains that the opposition politician is particularly popular with young Senegalese for his promise of radical opposition to what he calls "the system". Two pipo don die, katakata for di front or Cheikh Anta Diop University for … Karim Wade, the son of former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade, and Khalifa Sall were both barred from running for the presidency in the 2019 election after being convicted for what many observers say were trumped-up charges. Ousmane Sonko, 46, is popular among Senegal's youth Mr Sonko is the president's only remaining serious challenger, BBC Afrique's Ndèye Khady … Supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was arrested following sexual assault accusations, clash with security forces in Dakar, Senegal March 5, 2021. The stability of the country is threatened.". On Friday police fired tear gas at Mr Sonko's supporters, who set up makeshift barricades in the capital Dakar where the ground was covered in burnt debris and people chanted "Free Sonko". It is unacceptable for political actors who are at odds to use a woman to neutralize each other," Safiatou Diop, president of the network of women's organizations "Siggil Jiguen" in Senegal, told DW. It was a young woman, a professional masseuse at the Sweet Beauty salon, named Adji Sarr, 20, who filed a complaint against the MP. Police said they then arrested him for disrupting public order when he refused to change his route to the court. Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko addresses journalists following his release from police custody in Dakar, Senegal, March 8, 2021. Why Senegal protestors back Ousmane Sonko despite rape charges A story of seduction, theft and murder. In 2014 he founded his own political party, Pastef-Les Patriotes, and came third in the 2019 presidential election with 15% of the vote. "A justice system that is used to eliminate opponents, to eliminate activists, to eliminate anyone who might contribute to the awakening of consciences. This bleak outlook for the future for most youth has led to an uptick of Senegalese people attempting to cross the Atlantic on irregular migration routes in a bid to reach the Spanish Canary Islands. In a video recorded and shared on social media in 2018, Mr Sonko told activists: "There is enormous potential in this country. "Our politicians are criminals. ", © Getty Images/AFP/Seyllou Si cette accusation était fondée, je n'aurais jamais accepté qu'il y ait ne serait-ce qu'un manifestant dehors, puisque j'aurais porté la responsabilité de toutes ces pertes et victimes. © 2021 BBC. Ousmane Sonko accuse le président Macky Sall d'avoir monté une affaire de mœurs pour ruiner ses projets pour la présidentielle de 2024. On Monday, he declared that the "revolution had started, and nobody can stop it! image caption Ousmane Sonko, 46, is popular among Senegal’s youth. Sonko was arrested on charges of disturbing the public order. Speaking on national TV, Mr Diome accused Mr Sonko of "issuing calls to violence". Burnt tires, looting, tear gas, and running battles with riot police: such scenes have become frequent sightings across Senegal in the past few days. The man who triggered these protests, Ousmane Sonko, is a leading opposition figure in the country, who is popular with the youth. Sonko was reported to have frequented the salon for massages. Senegal: Ousmane Sonko still in custody, calm has returned to Dakar A Senegalese policeman in Dakar during the demonstrations provoked by the "Ousmane Sonko affair". He accuses President Sall of trying to remove potential opponents ahead of the 2024 election. "That's a very important story, where hundreds have died in the last few months, so that's an emotionally charged topic," Hauptmann said about the migration trend. Observers say that many of these youths in the country are simply expressing support for the opposition as a sign of their unhappiness with the government in regards to their prospects for employment. a major protest this Saturday organized by the opposition alliance, Opinion: International Women's Day is a day of mourning for Africa. Read more: Opinion: International Women's Day is a day of mourning for Africa. ", French fishermen leave Jersey port after protest. The United Nations' special envoy for West Africa Mohamed Ibn Chambas has appealed for calm. Ousmane Sonko est inspecteur des Impôts et des Domaines de formations, breveté de l'École Nationale d'Administration en 2001, il servit dans diverses sphères de la Direction générale des Impôts et Domaines pendant quinze ans. Young people seem to have lost trust in the government and are demanding change, experts say. Senegal deployed armoured cars in the capital Dakar on Monday after days of deadly protests, as supporters of detained opposition leader Ousmane Sonko called for fresh demonstrations ahead of his latest court appearance. Ivorian Doll ‘not shocked’ at Wireless lack of women, Safe Sweden faces up to wave of women's killings, 'We need to care for patients, but also ourselves' Video'We need to care for patients, but also ourselves', How a sulky Russian model became China's slacker icon, 'Why I spend big subscribing to my favourite band'. Supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was arrested on sexual assault accusations and released on bail under judicial supervision, … Five people including a schoolboy have been killed in clashes sparked by the arrest of Sonko and dozens of his supporters. Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko believes the allegations against him are part of a political ploy. In Casamance, where Sonko's parents come from, the protests have been intensifying. There are reports that Mr Sall may seek to change the constitution to allow him to run for a third term. Those who have ruled Senegal from the beginning deserve to be shot. Mr Sonko says the allegations of rape are fabricated. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Senegalese President Macky Sall has called for restraint among protestors. Sonko has rejected the allegations against him, saying that the charges are politically motivated. iPlayer, A story of seduction, theft and murder. Ousmane Sonko est arrivé troisième lors de la présidentielle du 2019 avec 15,67 % des suffrages, derrière le président sortant Macky Sall et l'ancien Premier ministre de Wade, Idrissa Seck. Can I take a selfie at a polling station? Ousmane Sonko a avancé, en substance que n’importe qui aurait pu mobiliser un tel consortium et en conséquence une telle manne financière d’investissement. Most of those who have taken to the streets are indeed the young people of Senegal. Many of the young supporters of the politician view the rape charges as a pretext: "It is a political liquidation. We have clear proof that Sonko did not rape this woman," a young protestor, who gave his name as Bacary, told DW. ", © Cherkaoui Sylvian/AA/picture alliance The only difference is that Ousmane Sonko, the 46-year-old politician targeted by the young woman, is now seen as one of the last surviving members of a Senegalese opposition weakened by successive scandals and accusations of corruption which have targeted several of its leaders. About Ousmane Sonko naît le 15 juillet 1974 à Thiès, de parents fonctionnaires. In 2019, that figure stood at 8.21%. Police detained the opposition leader — a devout Muslim popular with Senegalese youths — on charges of public disorder after scuffles with his supporters broke out as he travelled to court. Senegal’s Sall calls for calm; opposition leader urges protests. News At least 4 dead in Senegal protests. DW's Freedom of Speech Award winner Tobore Ovuorie, COVID-19 Special: Coronavirus hot spot Brazil, Jacinda Ardern says differences with China becoming 'harder to reconcile', Russia's Navalny appears in public - Aaron Tilton reports, India's hospitals plead for oxygen supplies. March 3, 2021. Sonko’s lawyer said he was also arrested for participating in unauthorized demonstrations. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. Barnum, No damages payout after Byron burger death1, Jersey and French fishermen in talks amid protest2, UK economy set to grow at fastest rate in 70 years3, Queen wishes great-grandson Archie happy birthday4, Murder victim warned police of threats to her life5, Malian woman's nine babies face months in care6, Ed Sheeran to sponsor Ipswich Town shirts7, Alcohol deaths in England and Wales at 20-year high8, Man uncovers long-lost golf course in lockdown9, Can I take a selfie at a polling station?10. Read about our approach to external linking. Demonstrators have gathered in the city's surrounding areas and in the southern city of Bignona, a stronghold of Mr Sonko. image caption Ousmane Sonko, 46, is popular among Senegal’s youth Mr Sonko is the president’s only remaining serious challenger, BBC Afrique’s Ndèye Khady Lo in Dakar says. Two other opposition leaders were excluded from the 2019 election after being convicted on charges which they say were politically motivated. What's the Jersey fishing row with France about? Following an investigation he was arrested on Wednesday and taken to court accompanied by a group of supporters. What's behind Putin's troop maneuvers at the Ukraine border? COVID-19: India curbs free speech during pandemic, Killing of Kashmir journalist shocks India, Pakistan, Trump threatens to slap high tariffs on French wines ahead of G7 summit, Cuba revisited — Mozart y Mambo, one year on, Balaclavas to fight sexism - Baila Capucha Baila, German court hands down lengthy sentence to IS recruiter. Violent protests have hit Senegal for a third day as demonstrators burnt cars and clashed with police after the arrest of an opposition leader on Wednesday. He also faces a rape allegation. Angered by opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's arrest, his supporters took part in the worst civil unrest in the West African country in years. Mr Sonko, 46, was accused of rape in February by a woman who worked in a beauty salon. He has said in the past that Sall had no legitimacy, and has hinted at removing the President from office in the 2024 election. Read about our approach to external linking. They are also frustrated with their living standards, and apparently view Sonko as someone who relates to their struggles: "Revolution is a very, very strong word, and Ousmane Sonko has a large following among the youth, who have been put back on the agenda," Caroline Hauptmann, from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Office in Senegal, said. Mr Sonko is the president's only remaining serious challenger, BBC Afrique's Ndèye Khady Lo in Dakar says. "But the proof of this is completely missing. On Friday Interior Minister Antoine Felix Abdoulaye Diome vowed to use "all the means necessary for a return to order". A Senegalese court cleared the way Monday for Sonko… Ousmane Sonko, 46, is popular among Senegal’s youth. Sonko, … Ousmane Sonko, a charismatic 46-year-old opposition leader and MP who finished third in the 2019 presidential election, was arrested last Wednesday after an employee of a … Some of the protesters have targeted French-owned businesses such as supermarkets and petrol stations because they say that under President Macky Sall, France has extended its economic interests in its former colony. iPlayerHow far will they go to have a baby? President Sall has dismissed Sonko's claims, calling for the courts to be allowed to conduct their investigation independently. The country is even bracing itself for a major protest this Saturday organized by the opposition alliance, Movement to Defend Democracy (M2D). Court releases Ousmane Sonko under judicial supervision pending his rape trial after arrest sparked deadly protests. ", © DW/R. Sonko's legal troubles are, however, nothing new under Sall's administration. Il y fonda également le premier syndicat dont il a été le secrétaire général pendant huit ans. It has been voiced in the past," Hauptmann added. Supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was arrested after sexual assault accusations, stand behind barricades during protests in Dakar, Senegal, on March 5. Protests first erupted throughout Senegal on March 3, when Ousmane Sonko, one of the country’s best-known opposition leaders, went to court to face rape allegations. There have been widespread reports of looting across Senegal since protests began. The man who triggered these protests, Ousmane Sonko, is a leading opposition figure and popular with the youth. Get a sneak peek at The Pursuit of Love starring Lily James... A look behind the curtain at the real P.T. But Sonko, 46, is facing some serious rape charges, which more than just jeopardize his credibility. Ousmane Sonko appeared in court on Friday accused of disrupting public order. It is unacceptable to see suffering of our people. Meanwhile, women's rights group are also voicing their views on what is becoming an increasingly aggressive political climate: "Whether the government or the opposition, these politicians have entered into a political battle with unconventional weapons. Between migration, youth unemployment and freedom of expression, the rape allegations against opposition leader Ousmane Sonko seem to be ignored, or even forgotten, by many. Mais leur complot pour me liquider a plongé le pays dans cette situation. This is a position that his Pastef-Les Patriotes political party seem to agree with: "We can understand, and we are sure that Ousmane Sonko is a victim of a cabal," Pape Mamadou Dieme, a member of Sonko's party, told DW. Senegal's main opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has spent a night in police custody. On the evening of 8 March, Ousmane Sonko, president of the Pastef-Les Patriotes party, and Macky Sall, the head of state since 2012 and founder of the Alliance pour la République (APR), took turns on national television to address, each in his own way, the unrest that rocked the capital and several major cities in early March. iPlayerJames Nesbitt stars in a haunting drama. He denies the allegations and his supporters say the accusations are politically motivated. "They have high youth unemployment and lack perspectives. According to the International Labour Organization, 8.61% of Senegalese youth were unemployed in 2020. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, A Philadelphia physician raised $500,000 and is sending oxygen tanks to help India battle its Covid crisis, Man charged with joining the Capitol riot after the FBI saw his wife's Facebook posts bragging about it, Arrest of opposition leader sparks unrest in Senegal. 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