The political landscape in Senegal is currently witnessing significant tension as opposition leader Ousmane Sonko faces obstacles in his bid for the 2024 presidential election. Despite a court’s decision to reinstate Sonko on the electoral roll, his candidacy remains uncertain due to ongoing legal challenges and procedural barriers.
In a notable development on November 30, 2023, the State of Senegal officially rejected Sonko‘s candidacy deposit for the upcoming presidential election. This decision was based on Sonko’s removal from the electoral lists, rendering him “ineligible” for the necessary candidacy formalities. The rejection came despite Sonko’s attempt to submit the required deposit of 30 million FCFA (about 45,000 euros) to the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC). The CDC’s communications manager, Mactar Diop, stated that Sonko had not received the essential sponsorship forms required to be a candidate, leading to the rejection of his deposit.
A Senegalese court in Dakar has reinstated opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on the electoral register.
This situation has raised significant concerns within Sonko’s camp, with his representatives emphasizing the importance of receiving sponsorship forms to formalize his candidacy. The electoral commission in Senegal has acknowledged that Sonko should be given these forms for the February presidential election. However, the interior ministry previously struck him from the country’s voter rolls after his conviction on charges of corrupting youth, a decision later overturned by a judge in Ziguinchor.
Sonko’s legal challenges extend beyond the issue of electoral eligibility. He is currently hospitalized in Dakar following a hunger strike, the second since his detention in late July on charges including incitement to insurrection and endangering state security. His supporters argue that these charges are politically motivated, aimed at undermining his candidacy.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Sonko’s legal team is continuing to appeal against the Supreme Court’s ruling, which has further complicated his political aspirations. With over 200 candidates declared for the election and President Macky Sall not seeking re-election, the political environment in Senegal remains highly charged and uncertain.
