Senegal’s Popular Opposition Leaders Released From Prison Ahead Of Vote

Senegal’s popular Opposition leaders, Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye were released late on Thursday night, according to state broadcaster RTS.

Sonko who had been jailed since last July is a leading contender to win the presidential elections scheduled for March 24.

The elections were first scheduled to be hold on February 25 but President Macky Sall had decided to postpone them till December, citing irregularities. However, Senegal’s top court struck down his decision saying that to do so was “unconstitutional.”  

According to AFP Sonko and other Opposition figures have been released ahead of a law being proposed by the Senegalese government.    Senegal’s President Macky Sall has told his government to enact an amnesty law as soon as it is officially published, ensuring Opposition figures can be released ahead of the polls.

Sonko has been part of a long-running tussle with Sall for over two years and was jailed in July 2023 for the “moral corruption of a young person.” He was also de-registered from contesting polls. Local media reports say that his arrest led to rioting in the country.

Despite being free, challenges still face Opposition politicians. The March 25 electoral date gives them just two weeks to campaign, which some say is not enough.

The crisis has tarred Senegal’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. Electoral instability could also affect the country’s economy, which according to the IM, is predicted to grow at 8% this year.