(5 Mar 2021) Clashes continued on Friday between police and supporters of Ousmane Sonko in Dakar, the third consecutive day of protests after the arrest of the opposition leader.
Black smoke rose into the sky as demonstrators set fire to objects along the streets, and threw rocks at police, who advanced toward protesters with armoured vehicles.
Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds throwing objects at security forces and setting tyres on fire near the tribunal where Sonko was reportedly set to testify.
Friday's protests come after one person was killed Thursday as police clashed with demonstrators in Bignona town in the southern Casamance region, according to local reports.
The demonstrations began before Sonko's appearance in court on rape charges Wednesday.
He was detained on the way to the courthouse and arrested for disturbing public order after hundreds of his supporters clashed with police who were blocking unauthorized protests.
The 46-year-old Sonko, who placed third in the 2019 election, was accused of rape last month by an employee at a beauty salon.
He was summoned to appear in court for questioning after his parliamentary immunity was lifted last week.
Sonko has been a strong opponent of President Macky Sall since 2012 and is popular with the country's youth.
Sonko and his supporters have said the charges are politically motivated, and they accuse Sall of conspiring to undermine Sonko before the 2024 election.
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