By John Ikani
At least nine people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between riot police and protesters in Senegal after the opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of immoral behaviour.
The violence erupted on Wednesday after Sonko, who is the mayor of the southern city of Ziguinchor, was found guilty in absentia of charges that stemmed from allegations made by a massage therapist. He denied any wrongdoing.
The clashes spread to other parts of the country, including the capital, Dakar, where protesters burned cars and clashed with police.
Interior Minister Antoine Diome said in a late-night news conference that social media platforms, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, had been blocked in an effort to quell the unrest.
The Senegalese government has said it will take all necessary steps to protect people and property following the deadly unrest.
Sonko’s imprisonment could prevent him from running in the country’s next presidential election, which is scheduled to be held in 2024.
He is a popular figure among young people and has been a vocal critic of President Macky Sall.
The charges against Sonko have been widely seen as politically motivated.
His supporters have accused the government of using the courts to silence him ahead of the election.
The Senegalese government has denied these accusations.
The violence in Senegal is a reminder of the deep political divisions in the country.
It is also a sign of the growing frustration among young people with the government.
