Senegalese opposition party, Patriots of Senegal (Pastef), has slammed the removal of their leader Ousman Sonko’s name from the elections list as “inhumane persecution”.
Sonko was admitted to a Dakar hospital On August 6, 2023, after embarking on a hunger strike in protest over charges brought against him by the government. Pastef said the government is “responsible” for his situation. Prior to his imprisonment, Sonko was in good health and had no known illnesses,” Pastef reportedly said.
Sonko who was a strong contender to run in the presidential elections set for February 25, 2024, has faced several legal charges that began in May this year. He has been the subject of multiple accusations and convictions including “corruption of youth”. He was sentenced to two years in prison following a very public trial led by a beauty salon hostess.
The case was withdrawn, Sources said Sonko had received a note announcing his removal from the list, and linking it to his recent legal woes, but Radio France International (RFI) reported a Pastef spokesperson saying that neither Sonko nor the party had been informed of his removal.
The removal, according to Senegal’s electoral code, could mean that he will be disqualified from running in the elections. The move has been denounced by his supporters, and many Senegalese as vindictive.
