Senegal’s Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by opposition politician Ousmane Sonko against a libel conviction that could prevent him from running in next month’s presidential election, lawyers said on Friday.
Since 2021, when a massage therapist accused him of rape, Sonko, 49, has been facing various legal challenges.
In March 2021, authorities arrested him and released him on bail under judicial supervision. His release sparked deadly protests across the country, which tarnished Senegal’s reputation as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
In May, authorities convicted him of libel and gave him a six-month suspended sentence for accusing a judge of corruption.
A Blow to Democracy
“We have just recorded a great victory,” said the plaintiff’s lawyer El Hadji Diouf on the radio. “The sentence is upheld, so Ousmane Sonko will not be able to participate in the election.”
Sonko’s legal team said the setback was not final. “The fight will continue,” his lawyer Cire Cledor Ly told reporters outside the court building in the capital Dakar.
Last month, while in custody, he submitted his candidacy after another court in Zinguichor ordered his reinstatement on the electoral register. He has been in detention since then.
According to a report by Reuters, his supporters and civil society groups have denounced the legal actions against him as a blow to democracy and an attempt to silence dissent.
“No one doubts the political aspect of this affair which aims to eliminate the leader of the opposition,” said Pastef spokesperson El Malick Ndiaye, commenting on the latest ruling.
“Sonko remains in the race,” he said on national radio.
A Tense Election
The electoral commission plans to publish a final list of cleared presidential candidates by Jan. 20 after reviewing applications. Senegal faces economic and social challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Feb. 25 election is expected to be tense and competitive.
The government has imposed a curfew and other restrictions to contain the spread of the virus, but many people have defied the measures and protested against the impact on their livelihoods.
Some people have praised Sall’s policies for boosting infrastructure and attracting foreign investment, while others have criticized them for neglecting social welfare and human rights. The election will also test the popularity of his policies.
Despite the political turmoil, many Senegalese hoped for a peaceful and fair election that would reflect the will of the people and the diversity of the nation.
Senegal’s majority Muslim population and significant Christian minority have praised the country for its vibrant culture, rich history, religious tolerance, and democratic tradition. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Senegal has experienced several peaceful transfers of power.
Many Senegalese hope that the election will not undermine this legacy, but rather strengthen it and pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future.
