In Senegal, the lawyers of opponent Ousmane Sonko have launched a legal counter-offensive by filing several appeals before the country’s judicial authorities. This series of steps aims to challenge various decisions taken against the opponent and his political party, Pastef.
The first appeal was filed before the Senegalese Supreme Court after the refusal of the general directorate of elections to give Ousmane Sonko the form allowing citizen sponsorships to be collected for the next presidential election. The opponent’s lawyers are expecting a rapid response from the Supreme Court, potentially as early as today.
The second appeal concerns the dissolution of Ousmane Sonko’s political party, Pastef. Lawyers believe that this decision was unfounded because the party showed no irregularities and never called for an insurrection. They also point out that the warning should have preceded the dissolution.
Finally, a third appeal is planned before the administrative court of Ziguinchor in the south of the country. The lawyers contest the removal of Ousmane Sonko from the electoral lists and assert that his conviction in absentia should be retried. They believe that as long as his new trial has not taken place, Ousmane Sonko should regain all his rights, including that of being registered on the electoral lists.
Alongside these national appeals, Ousmane Sonko’s lawyers also filed a request before the ECOWAS Court of Justice two weeks ago. They expect a response by the end of the week.
This legal counter-offensive testifies to the determination of opponent Ousmane Sonko to assert his rights and to challenge the decisions taken against him. Faced with the political and legal pressure weighing on him, Ousmane Sonko seeks to have the legitimacy of his candidacy for the presidential election recognized and to restore his political rights.
This situation raises questions about freedom of expression and political pluralism in Senegal. Some observers denounce the use of justice to muzzle the opposition, while others believe that the Senegalese authorities are acting legitimately to guarantee the stability of the country.
In any case, it is clear that Ousmane Sonko’s fight is far from over and that the outcome of these appeals will partly determine the political future of the country.