Protests erupted across Senegal on Monday, as the interior ministry announced seven new charges against opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and dissolved his Patriots of Senegal (Pastef) party. He was remanded on custody on Friday. His supporters set up roadblocks in the capital and clashed with police who fired tear gas back. At least one bus was burnt. The interior ministry also said two people died in the demonstrations in Sonko’s native city of Ziguinchor. Among the new charges levied against the popular opposition figure are threatening national security and conspiring against the state, which Sonko’s supporters say are politically motivated and aim to block his 2024 presidential bid. Sonko is popular with young people across Senegal and is viewed as a threat to Senegal’s ruling Senegalese Democratic party.
Senegal authorities arrest opposition frontrunner, ban his party and cut internet
