Senegal: Opposition leader Sonko to face trial on rape charges

• Ousmane Sonko is accused of raping and making death threats to a beauty salon employee.
• The case has been referred to Senegal’s criminal court for trial.
• A trial could jeopardize his intention to run for president in 2024.

Senegal: Ousmane Sonko will face trial on charges of rape and making death threats to a beauty salon employee in 2021, an investigating judge said in a letter.

According to a letter from the judge dated January 17, the case has been referred to Senegal’s criminal court for trial.

An inquiry for comment was not immediately answered by Sonko’s attorney. Sonko has refuted every accusation.

A trial could jeopardize his intention to run for president in 2024. The 48-year-old politician, who finished third in the 2019 election, has announced his intention to run again.

It could also exacerbate Senegal’s political tensions. Clashes erupted in the country in March 2021 after Sonko was summoned and arrested by the investigating judge.

Sonko is accused of sexually assaulting and threatening a woman who worked in a massage parlor. He and his supporters claim the trial is politically motivated in order to remove him from the presidential race.

He has widespread support among Senegalese youth, many of whom are dissatisfied with the government as unemployment and economic hardship persist, resulting in sporadic and sometimes violent protests.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, El Hadj Diouf, expressed delight at the judge’s decision.

“It should come as no surprise. We have nothing to conceal, “he stated

Some opposition leaders and supporters of Sonko consider the case an attempt by Senegal’s President Macky Sall, 61, to remove a potentially popular rival if he decides to run for a third term despite dwindling support.

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