Senegal: Sall corruption verdict expected March 30 /update 8

Event

The verdict in the trial of political opposition leader Khalifa Sall is expected to be issued on March 30. Protests, a heightened security presence, and consequent traffic disruptions are anticipated near the Dakar Courthouse in the city of Dakar in the days immediately preceding and following the announcement. Tensions may be particularly high if Sall is convicted as during previous court hearings Sall supporters held demonstrations and scuffled with police; similar outbreaks of localized violence are possible on and around March 30.

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 elected to parliament in July 2017, without being able to take his seat. On November 25, 2017, the National Assembly lifted parliamentary immunity to allow Sall's trial to proceed, prompting his supporters to protest in front of the National Assembly building in Dakar. Subsequent trial hearings, including on January 3, also witnessed scuffles within and outside of the courtroom between protesters and police. Several journalists were reportedly detained on January 3 during a brief resumption of the trial, before renewed security threats forced the case to be postponed.

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