Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure in Senegal, was freed from prison, sparking joyous celebrations outside the prison as well as across Dakar, the capital.
According to his lawyer Bamba, Cisse Sonko was released along with key ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 14, 2024.
A longtime opponent of President Macky Sall, Sonko had been detained following his arrest on allegations of insurrection in 2023.
His release followed an amnesty law passed by Senegal’s parliament as part of efforts to quell tensions ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March 24.
In an attempt to defuse tensions before the March 24 presidential poll, Senegal’s parliament passed an amnesty law last week, which led to his release.
The election was originally scheduled for March 24 but was postponed by the authorities for ten months.
Also Read: Senegal President Bows to Pressure, Sets New Election Date Amid Tension
News of his release brought thousands of supporters onto the streets of Dakar, chanting Sonko’s name. Some lit flares danced or blasted their motorbike and car horns.
“We’ve been waiting for this day for so long. Prayed for it,” said one of his supporters.
“I believe Sonko can change the country,” another added.
Sonko is banned for elections
Following his 2021 rape accusation, Sonko’s presidential bid has faced a prolonged legal battle. He was acquitted of the rape charges but was convicted of corrupting youth. This led to his sentence of two years in prison last summer. His imprisonment ignited violent protests across the country.
Sonko was disqualified from the ballot because he faces a six-month suspended sentence following his conviction for defamation, Senegal’s highest election authority, the Constitutional Council, said in January.
His supporters maintain his legal troubles are part of a government effort to derail his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election.
His release followed Sall’s decree to exonerate political prisoners, including hundreds who were arrested in the violent protests last year.
Also Read: Tension in Senegal as Parliament Takes Chaotic Vote
After his disqualification from contesting the election, Sonko endorsed Faye to replace him on the ballot.
Faye who was jailed in April 2023, has been unable to address voters in person since campaigning kicked off on March 9.
