Introduction
The West African country of Senegal is currently facing a crisis after clashes broke out following the conviction of the frontline opposition candidate for the 2024 Senegalese Presidential elections, Ousmane Sonko.
The supporters claim the charge of “corrupting the youths” was politically motivated to stop him from contesting in the presidential elections scheduled for next year.
Who is Ousmane Sonko and why are Senegalese youths ready to die for him?
Sonko, born 15 July 1974, is a Senegalese politician. He is the president of the political party known as PASTEF-Les Patriotes “Patriots of Senegal for Ethics, Work and Fraternity”, which was created in 2014. Sonko contested against the incumbent Macky Sall in the 2019 Senegalese elections, and while Macky Sall won with 58%, Sonko who came third in the elections gained popularity with the youths because of his resonating speeches. His popularity among the youths didn’t sit well with the ruling government and in 2021, he was arrested for disturbing public order.
What is the cause of the crisis?
Sonko’s recent arrest and subsequent 2-year sentence for corrupting the youths by the Senegalese government were seen by Sonko’s supporters as a ploy to prevent him from contesting the 2024 elections.
Corrupting young people under the Senegalese law includes using one’s position of power to have sex with people under the age of 21, and is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000.
Under the law, Sonko’s conviction would stop him from contesting next year’s election. However, the Senegalese government stated that Sonko could ask for a retrial once he was imprisoned.
In a statement, Sonko’s party PASTEF called on the citizens to “stop all activity and take to the streets.” spurring the mostly youthful supporters of Sonko into street protests. On Thursday, young people ranging from age 18 to 30 clashed with policemen who were mobilized to quell the protest. Buses and other vehicles were set ablaze in the Country’s capital, Dakar, and reports of unrest were made in Ziguinchor, a city where Sonko was formerly a mayor.
The citizens are eager for a new administration following the failure of Macky Sall’s promises during the last elections. Unemployment has been on the rise, and millions of Senegalese are getting poorer every day.
The clashes between the police and the protesters have continued since Saturday with the official death toll rising to 15.
“I feel deep pain. What’s happening is hard. Our children are dying. I never thought I’d have to go through this,” a Senegalese woman, Seynabou Diop told the Associated Press on Saturday recounting how her 21-year-old son, Khadim was killed in the protest.
“I think Macky Sall is responsible. If he’d talked to the Senegalese people, especially young people, maybe we wouldn’t have all these problems,” she stated.
Implications of the unrest for Africa
On Sunday, the government shut down internet connection in Senegal, citing the need to protect the country from external forces. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were also blocked. Continued tension in Senegal’s Dakar and Ziguinchor in the south spells doom for Senegal and the military may be forced to take over power to quell the protest the crisis can also lead to a refugee situation, with citizens leaving the country for peaceful neighboring countries.