The Russian Embassy in Senegal has reported that tensions and clashes are currently occurring in the country due to the imprisonment of the prominent opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko. However, the embassy clarified that there are no immediate threats to diplomats in the region.
"Currently, there is significant tension in the country as a result of the imprisonment of the main opposition leader, Sonko. Prior to his imprisonment, he was placed under house arrest, and now he is being held in prison outside Dakar. Furthermore, on July 31, his political party, the "Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity," was officially dissolved. These developments have led to clashes in the region, resulting in three fatalities over the past three days. Additionally, yesterday, a bus was set on fire in the suburbs of Dakar," the embassy reported.
At the same time, the embassy emphasized that there are no threats to the Russian diplomatic mission, which is located in the center of Dakar.
"Next to us is the Interior Ministry. As a precautionary measure, on such days, the building of the Interior Ministry and all other nearby ministries are well secured and cordoned off. Everything is fine in this regard. However, as part of security protocols, we currently refrain from traveling to the city," the embassy added.
At the same time, the Russian diplomatic mission noted that there is a possibility of demonstrations being announced in the coming days, potentially scheduled for Friday or Saturday. "As of now, no official announcements have been made. We will wait for further updates and official statements," the embassy stated.
Regarding the situation in the country, on July 31, Senegal's prosecutors filed several charges against Ousmane Sonko. As reported by Agence de Presse Sénégalaise, the politician faces eight counts, including calling for rebellion, association of criminals, attacking state security, conspiracy against state power, actions aimed at undermining public security, and organizing serious political unrest.
Ousmane Sonko is the leader of the Senegalese Patriots for Work, Ethics and Fraternity party, founded in 2014. He participated in the 2019 presidential election, securing the third position with 16% of the vote. Sonko had previously expressed his intention to run in the elections scheduled for February 2024. However, he was sentenced to two years in prison on June 1 for child molestation, disqualifying him from standing for election. Senegal's incumbent president, Macky Sall, has announced that he will not seek re-election.
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Photo: Jeff Attaway/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS