At least 23 people have been killed across the country since violence erupted on June 1st, says Amnesty International, a rights group, making the protests the bloodiest in decades. Some 400 have been injured
. The government sent the army onto the streets and detained more than 500 people It first blocked social media and messaging apps, then shut down almost all mobile internet in the capital.
Senegal has long enjoyed a reputation as a beacon of stability and democracy in a region beset by coups and overstaying presidents. This has made it a favoured partner of the West. France maintains hundreds of soldiers in Dakar, while Spain has patrol boats there to stop migrants insetting off for the Canary Islands . Several American presidents have visited to laud and reward a stable African democracy.
Mr Sonko is a populist former tax inspector who denounces corruption among the elite and rails against the influence of France, the former colonial power. Though Mr Sall has presided over robust growth, many of Mr Sonko’s supporters feel left out and battered by inflation. And he is not the first opposition leader to run into legal trouble. In the election of 2019 two other prominent candidates were barred from running after convictions for alleged corruption—and are still ineligible.
As we went to press, a precarious calm had descended on the country, in part because Senegal’s influential Muslim brotherhoods have urged restraint. It may not last. Mr Sonko, who has not been seen or heard from since May 28th, is said to be in his house, surrounded by police. The justice minister, Ismaila Madior Fall, says he could be arrested “at any time”.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Alain Prost’s engineer reveals when Ayrton Senna tension began in McLaren garageThe most famous F1 teammate rivalry, that of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, took a while to bubble up after an amicable start at McLaren.
Lire la suite »
National Lottery results LIVE: Winning Lotto numbers on Wednesday June 7 2023Tonights results checker for Wednesday's UK Lotto and Thunderball draw - with a jackpot of £5m
Lire la suite »
DVSA issues warning to learner drivers ahead of June strikeFive days of strike action could see tests cancelled this month
Lire la suite »
'Trail of blood' seen outside Spinningfields bar after man with gun fled fightThe bar has been closed since the incident on Sunday night (June 4)
Lire la suite »