“Senegal’s Ousmane Sonko Faces Defamation Trial and Possible Prison Time, Threatening Presidential Candidacy in 2024”

Tract – The Senegalese opponent Ousmane Sonko has not left the inn yet. He is still in the antechamber of the ‘mortgage’ of his presidential candidacy in 2024 with this appeal trial for defamation opened today in his absence.

During his indictment, Prosecutor General Bakhoum requested two years in prison, one of which is firm against Sonko. He also demanded that an arrest warrant be issued against the defendant.

As for Mame Mame Mbaye Niang is claiming 29 billion from Ousmane Sonko in damages. “As a Senegalese citizen, I felt defamed, insulted, and dragged through the mud. Faced with this injustice, I understood that the only place where I can clear my honor is the court. This is why I am in front of you. In the first instance, I followed the procedure to the letter but in the end, I understood that the wrongs that were caused to me amounted to the sum of 29 billion that I am accused of having embezzled without ever presenting any evidence”did he declare.

The leader of Pastef was sentenced in March at first instance to a two-month suspended prison sentence and 200 million CFA francs in damages. His eligibility for the 2024 presidential election could be called into question by a heavier sentence at second instance.