Many nationals from neighboring countries were arrested during riots in Senegal that broke out in the capital due to the court case against opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, the Russian embassy in Senegal told TASS.
They noted that security measures at the embassy have been heightened since June 1 because of the riots in Dakar, the republic's capital. "The country's authorities have also introduced a heavy security," the embassy said.
"Thus, during the said riots, the police arrested many nationals from neighboring states and proceedings against them are now underway," the diplomatic mission pointed out.
According to the Russian embassy, the official sources do not report about possible direct intervention into the internal affairs of Senegal by Western countries. "The upcoming 2024 presidential elections in Senegal are attracting increased attention in the world, including in countries that are critical of some foreign policy moves of the incumbent president [of Senegal, Macky Sall]. Official sources do not report any direct interference of Western countries in the internal political events in Senegal," the embassy stressed.
On the situation in Senegal
Senegal faced riotous demonstrations in early June. They started when Sonko called on his supporters to take to the streets to protest a court decision that sentenced him to two years in prison. Sonko is not yet imprisoned, security forces are blockading him in his own home.
Agence France Presse previously reported that Sonko had called for mass protests against President Sall's possible re-election to a third term. On July 3, Sall addressed the nation saying that he would not run for a third term in the 2024 elections.
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Based on materials from TASS