Senegal’s jailed opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, might just get his wish after a Senegal court ordered his reinstatement on the electoral register. This ruling opens the door for his potential run in the upcoming February presidential election. Sonko’s lawyer, Cire Cledor Ly, dropped this bombshell on Thursday.
Sonko’s life has been a rollercoaster of court cases in the last two years, ranging from charges of libel to rape, all of which he vehemently denies. These legal tussles have sparked violence in Senegal, and there’s some speculation about his involvement, especially in the alleged rape case.
Despite being acquitted of rape in June, Sonko got slapped with a bizarre charge—immoral behavior toward individuals under 21—and landed a two-year jail term. There’s suspicion about Sonko’s maneuvering through this charge, especially given the support he received, with some of his followers shamelessly downplaying the seriousness of the victim’s ordeal.
Arrested for insurrection in July, Sonko was booted off the electoral roll, a move that initially seemed to dash his hopes for the February vote. This guy seems to be the embodiment of chaos.
Having come in third in Senegal’s 2019 presidential election, Sonko is considered a key challenger to President Macky Sall’s reign.
The court in Dakar shook things up by overturning the decision, announced Ly, Sonko’s lawyer, who expressed faith in the justice system but feared possible forceful actions. He stressed that for Senegal to progress, justice must prevail.
Another lawyer, Bamba Cisse, chimed in, highlighting that this court decision might just give Sonko the green light for the 2024 presidential election.
As for why Senegalese people might support Sonko for president? Well, that’s very obvious, Sometimes, some countries choose the most unexpected figures.
