Senegal: Mayor trial continues February 19 in Dakar /update 7

Event

Protests, a heightened security presence, and consequent traffic disruptions are expected near the Dakar Courthouse on Monday, February 19, as the trial of political opposition leader Khalifa Sall continues. During previous court hearings, Sall’s supporters held demonstrations and scuffled with police; similar outbreaks of localized violence are possible on Monday. 

Context

Sall is the leader of the opposition coalition Manko Taxawu Senegal (MTS). He has been in prison since March 2017 on embezzlement charges, but was nonetheless elected to parliament in July 2017 without being able to take his seat. In November 2017 the National Assembly lifted Sall’s parliamentary immunity to allow his trial to proceed. On February 16, the prosecutor asked for a seven-year prison sentence for Sall.

Advice

Individuals in Dakar and across the country are advised to remain vigilant, monitor the situation via local media, and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering due to the risk of violence.