The representative of imprisoned Senegalese opposition figure Ousmane Sonko has been reportedly obstructed from obtaining the necessary documents for his 2024 presidential candidature, despite being reinstated on the electoral roll by the courts.
A Senegalese judge had previously ordered the reinstatement of Ousmane Sonko on the electoral roll, a crucial step for the opposition figure in the lead-up to the February presidential election. Sonko is considered one of the favourites, and time is running out for him to collect sponsors and submit his candidature by December 26.
Sonko’s representative, Ayib Daffé, along with his lawyer, Clédor Ly, visited the Direction générale des élections (DGE) and the Direction de l’automatisation du fichier on Tuesday to obtain sponsorship collection forms. However, they were denied access to the heads of these departments and were consequently unable to receive the required documents.
Ayib Daffé expressed frustration, stating, “We saw an exercise in hide-and-seek by senior officials who did not want to see Ousmane Sonko’s agent and lawyers face to face.” Despite the obstacles, he asserted their commitment to return as needed, citing the law and justice being on their side.
Lawyer Clédor Ly emphasised the importance of Sonko’s inclusion in the election for it to truly reflect the will of the people. He urged the international community to take note of the situation, stating that the Senegalese people are seeking respect for the law, democracy, and the rule of law.
Ousmane Sonko, aged 49, was sentenced to two years in prison on June 1 for debauching a minor, a charge he denies, and he was subsequently imprisoned on additional charges, including calling for insurrection and criminal association. Sonko contends that these legal actions are part of a plot to prevent his participation in the presidential election, a claim the government denies.
