Socio-political situations in Senegal have remained tense since last Thursday. Demonstrations against the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko have left the first death last Thursday. Authorities suspended media and others were attacked in the evening.
Two private televisions accused of fueling violence and media deemed favourable to power by the opposition were attacked on the evening of last Thursday, according to reports. Senegalese authorities have also restricted internet access as protests escalate on Friday.
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A man was killed during protests in support of opposition leader Mr. Sonko following his detention on Wednesday.
“There is a deceased among the demonstrators in Bignona, in Casamance (South),” a commander of the gendarmerie told AFP.
According to the government, the demonstrations “gave rise to regrettable acts of vandalism and violence, which unfortunately led to the death of a man in the person of Sheikh Ibrahima Coly. Government strongly condemns the acts of violence, looting and destruction.”
While the West African country is renowned for its stability, the Senegalese capital was the scene of urban guerrilla scenes on Friday, with hundreds of young people confronting the police.
In the popular district of the Medina, where stun grenades resounded, groups of young people harassed scores of riot police with stones, before fleeing, journalists noted.
The 46-year-old former tax inspector, Ousmane Sonko, who came third in the 2019 presidential election with 15% of the vote, enjoys wide support among Senegalese youth. He was arrested on Wednesday for “disturbing public order” following demonstrations of support across the country.
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A beauty salon worker accused him of rape last month. He was summoned to appear after his parliamentary immunity was lifted last week.
Mr. Sonko accused the government of initiating the rape complaint in order to weaken him.