The six-month suspended prison sentence of Senegal’s opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, for defamation has been confirmed by the Court of Appeal. This decision, rendered on Thursday, January 4th by the Supreme Court, disqualifies him from the upcoming presidential election scheduled for February.
Despite efforts by his lawyers to argue in favor of unconstitutionality and request the annulment of the Court of Appeal’s decision due to various procedural irregularities, their attempts were in vain. The main issue of Thursday’s hearing was the eligibility of the opposition leader for the presidential election scheduled for February 25th. According to the electoral code, this definitive conviction renders him ineligible for five years.
Although the solicitor general sought a complete annulment, the confirmation of the conviction led to great disappointment within the defense, despite the hope generated by the requisitions for annulment. Despite his conviction, Ousmane Sonko continues to be supported by his followers who believe in a possible legal counter-attack.
“It’s a feeling of injustice, persecution, and harassment of the opposition leader. They have shown today to the whole world that all they sought to achieve was a conviction to eliminate Ousmane Sonko, the favorite in the presidential race. But it’s in vain because Ousmane Sonko has already submitted his candidacy which suffers from no irregularity. There are still actions to be taken. Normally, the case should come back to Ziguinchor, so the procedure is not over yet,” said Malick Ndiaye, the communication director of the dissolved Pastef party.
The coming days will be decisive, as the Constitutional Council is expected to publish the final list of candidates for the presidential election on January 20th. The political future of Senegal’s iconic opposition figure remains uncertain, adding to the suspense.
