Global Courant
Video duration 25 minutes 50 seconds
Demonstrations broke out in Senegal after a court sentenced opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison.
He was convicted of “corruption of youth” but acquitted of rape. The charges relate to an incident at a massage parlor in 2021.
Supporters say the violence across the country reflects widespread anger, especially among young people, who feel ignored by the political elite.
They say the case against Sonko was politically motivated and part of a plot to prevent him from running for president next year.
Macky Sall’s government denies this, saying Senegal is facing an insurgency.
Presenter:
Mohammed Jamjoom
Guests:
Mucahid Durmaz – Analyst at Verisk Maplecroft global risk intelligence consultancy
Marie-Roger Biloa – Chairman and CEO of the Africa International Media Group
Borso Tall – Freelance journalist who has reported extensively on the political and social tensions in Senegal