The Senegalese capital was in turmoil on Thursday. Dakar, usually peaceful, looked like a city at war. A city of fire and blood. Socio-political convulsions caused by the arrest of the leader of the Patriotes du Senegal party for work, ethics and fraternity (PASTEF), Ousmane Sonko. The irreducible opponent of the power of Dakar, who once more has trouble with justice.
A situation that revives the embers that have been smoldering under the ashes lately, around the desire for a third term, lent to President Macky Sall.
Forced to the Palais de Justice in Dakar, Sonko finally returned to his residence, following the dismissal of his trial for “defamation and insults”. The plaintiff in this case is none other than the Minister of Tourism Mame M’Baye Kan Niang. In such cases, the parallel is quickly made between the legal troubles of the leader of the opposition coalition Yewwi Askan Wi (Free the people) and the political nature of the case.
A breach into which Sonko and his activists rushed, to talk regarding a judicial cabal. This file is added to the Adji Sarr case, named following this employee of a beauty salon who accuses Ousmane Sonko of rape.
The leader of PASTEF has also been charged in this case since 2021. As if to say that he is not at the end of his troubles with Dame Thémis. The opponent firmly believes that all these maneuvers would only aim to put him offside in the presidential race scheduled for 2024.
Even if Sonko can surf on the capital sympathy, which he was able to draw from these legal setbacks, in particular with a good fringe of Senegalese youth. A youth in disinheritance, and whose disaffection for the old political guard is obvious.
Its thirst for change in favor of a new political class, less corrupt, can only throw it into the arms of leaders, experienced in agit-prop. Like Ousmane Sonko, who for some Senegalese has become an alternative to the post Macky, whose term ends in a year.
The result of this crazy day would be several injuries and significant material damage.
