A Senegalese court has ruled that opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who is currently imprisoned, be added back to the electoral roll. This decision, political analysts say, may allow Sonko, to run for president in February 2024.
Over the previous two years, Sonko faced legal proceedings that included allegations of rape and libel – both of which he denies.
Sonko’s political hurdles have been numerous. Although the 49-year-old was cleared of rape, he was found guilty of an offense classified as immoral behaviour against people under the age of 21 and was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
After his arrest in July on charges of rebellion, his name was removed from the election candidates list, which may have prevented him from running in the country’s upcoming elections scheduled for February 2024.
Sonko’s party, the Patriots of Senegal (PASTEF) was also disbanded for inciting disorder in Dakar. The ruling on the party was reversed on December 14, his attorney, Cire Cledor Ly, reportedly said.
Sonko, who is still behind bars, went on a hunger strike on July 3, 2023, to draw attention to what he called political oppression by the government. He was hospitalised on August 6 and admitted to an intensive care unit, according to his lawyers and party. He called off his hunger strike in September.
Among other charges, Sonko was accused of defamation and public insult of Minister of Youth, Employment and Citizen Building, Mame Mbaye Niang for which he received a six-month suspended sentence.
Sonko finished third in Senegal’s 2019 presidential race and is popular among young voters. He is viewed as the leading rival in the contest to replace President Macky Sall, who said in July that he would not seek re-election.
