Tension has escalated in Senegal’s upcoming presidential election after authorities banned a nomination meeting for jailed opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. The move throws Sonko’s candidacy into further uncertainty, adding a new layer of controversy to an already tense political landscape.
Sonko, a 49-year-old firebrand politician, has been at the center of a bitter standoff with the government for over two years. His candidacy in the February 2024 election was already fraught with challenges, facing accusations of corruption and imprisonment on charges he claims are politically motivated.
Despite being denied necessary documents by the state, Sonko’s lawyers submitted his candidacy on December 12th. This bold move raised hopes amongst his supporters but faced immediate resistance from the authorities. On Friday, Dakar prefect Cherif Mouhamadou Blondin Ndiaye signed a decree prohibiting Saturday’s planned nomination meeting, citing potential threats to public order and infiltration by “ill-intentioned individuals.”
Sonko’s dissolved party, Pastef, denounced the ban as “another provocation” but urged its supporters to remain calm. The party’s backup candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is also in prison, has also filed for the election, underscoring the party’s determination to compete in the polls.
Adding to the complexity, Sonko was recently reinstated on the list of eligible candidates by a court order, a decision currently being appealed by the state. Over 90 individuals have submitted their candidacies, with the final list slated to be announced by the Constitutional Council on January 20th.
The upcoming election will be a crucial test for Senegal’s democracy. President Macky Sall’s decision not to seek a third term has opened the door for a competitive race, but Sonko’s legal troubles and the authorities’ actions raise concerns about transparency and fairness. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Sonko’s candidacy remains viable and whether the elections will proceed without further controversy.
