The Judicial Serial of the Ousmane Sonko affair: Sonko vs the Senegalese State
On December 12, the Dakar court of first instance rendered a crucial decision in the legal drama between Senegalese opponent Ousmane Sonko and the Senegalese state. The dispute concerns the question of Sonko’s removal from the electoral rolls, a decision which has direct repercussions on his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election.
To understand this complex affair, it is necessary to go back to June 1, when Ousmane Sonko was sentenced to two years in prison for corruption of youth. However, defense lawyers argue that Sonko was tried in absentia, that is, in his absence, and argued that this situation requires a new trial in accordance with Senegalese law. As a result, they say the original conviction should be overturned and Sonko’s civil rights should be restored.
On November 17, the Supreme Court of Senegal rejected Sonko’s request for reinstatement in the electoral lists, thus referring the case to the Dakar court of first instance. It is therefore in this context that the decision of December 12 was eagerly awaited.
Unfortunately, the court verdict was not in favor of Sonko. He therefore remains off the electoral lists, thus compromising his candidacy for the presidential election. The move has drawn mixed reactions, with some saying it is in line with the law, while others see it as a political maneuver to prevent Sonko from running.
It should be noted that time is running out for presidential candidates, as the deadline for submitting files to the Constitutional Court is December 26. Applicants must therefore hurry to submit their candidacy and have their eligibility verified.
In conclusion, the legal drama surrounding the Ousmane Sonko affair continues to fuel debates and raise questions about the political implications of this affair. The decision of the Dakar first instance court marks a new stage, but the story is far from over. The coming months will be crucial for Sonko’s candidacy and for Senegal’s political future.