Police in Senegal fired tear gas and stun grenades at demonstrators in the city, Dakar, ahead of an opposition leader’s libel trial. Protests against the resumption of Sonko Ousmane’s court case have been banned by authorities, but the major opposition coalition says it will defy the restrictions.
Mr Sonko is accused of slandering Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang with allegations of embezzlement. He denies the charges. Sonko would be barred from running in next year’s presidential race if convicted.
Since Mr Sonko’s defamation trial began on March 16, there has been violence in several towns. Last week, President Macky Sall urged authorities to take all necessary security precautions in the aftermath of deadly protests.