The Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, in a recent ruling, has supported the Senegalese government’s decision that prevents Ousmane Sonko, an opposition leader, from candidature. Sonko, who has persistently contested Senegal’s legal proceedings, claimed that his human rights, specifically, the right to legal defense and a fair trial were violated. These rights are safeguarded under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, a framework adopted by ECOWAS with Senegal as its member.
The ECOWAS decision represents the recent event in a series of legal confrontations faced by Sonko. In June, the leader of the opposition party “PASTEF”, was charged with rape and was found guilty of “corrupting a youth.” This resulted in a wave of protests causing an outbreak of riots across the country. Subsequent to these events, PASTEF, was dissolved by the government in early 2023. Internet access was also reportedly suspended following Sonko’s conviction for planning an insurrection in July.
In an effort to protest against these legal actions, Sonko initiated a series of hunger strikes, with one of them led to his admission to an intensive care unit in September. He has also routinely accused President Macky Sall of manipulating the judiciary to hamper competition. Yet, Sall, having publicly stated his decision not to seek a third term, has denied these allegations.
Additional information on the ruling can be found here.