Ousmane Sonko, the main Senegalese opposition leader whose jail sentence in June provoked violent protests, was detained on Friday after a face-off with security personnel stationed outside his home, according to his lawyers and the state prosecutor.
The 49-year old opposition said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday that troops had recorded him with their phones on his way back from the mosque where he observed his prayer.
He then seized the phone from one the security officers attached to his residence and requested that the clip be deleted.
The government explained that Sonko’s outings were restricted because he was causing public disorder.
In his post on X after Friday’s incident, Sonko said “They seem to be trying to kick down the door” and called on his supporters to prepare for resistance.
Two of Sonko’s lawyers later confirmed that the opposition leader was being questioned in police custody.
On its part, the state prosecutor’s office said Sonko physically seized a female officer’s phone after her vehicle broke down in front of his house, and then used a “subversive message” to rally sympathizers.
Some supporters showed their displeasure following the arrest of Sonko as they blocked a major road in some neighborhoods in the capital, Dakar.
Sonko was sentenced on June 1 for corrupting youth in the country.
The punishment threw doubt on his capacity to run for president in the upcoming elections. He denies any wrongdoing and he’s yet to be jailed.
Reuters