Opposition parties in Senegal have vowed to hold rallies to protest against the recent judgement against one of their main figures, Ousmane Sonko.

Integrity News reported that Sonko received a six-month suspended sentence and US$336,000 fine on a defamation charge filed by the country’s tourism minister, Mame Mbaye Niang.

Additionally, he will go on trial later this month for alleged rape and death threats following a complaint made by a beauty saloon employee.

The rape charge against him in 2021 triggered riots against the current president Macky Sall who is nurturing the ambition of another term as the president of the West African country.

The intention of the current President, Macky Sall, to compete for reelection in 2024 has since sparked several protests in Senegal.

According to the country’s constitution, the head of state is only permitted to serve as president for two terms, but others worry that Mr. Macky Sall will utilize a recent constitutional amendment to extend his current term, which expires in 2024, so he can seek office again.

Concerns about the nation’s heated climate and restrictions on the right to gather and freedom of expression have been voiced by many human rights organizations.

Additionally, the organisations encouraged President Sall to abandon his bid for a third term because he has not said whether he will run in 2024.

INN