The Red Cross in Senegal has revealed that approximately 360 individuals have been injured in the violence that erupted on Thursday following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison.
The clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the capital, Dakar, and Mr. Sonko’s hometown of Zinguinchor have tragically claimed the lives of at least 16 people.
Supporters of Mr. Sonko firmly believe that his conviction on charges of “corrupting” a young woman is politically motivated.
They have strongly condemned what they perceive as the “murderous repression” carried out by the security forces.
As of Sunday, the situation appeared to have calmed down. However, the government has implemented restrictions on mobile internet access to prevent the dissemination of what it describes as “subversive messages.”