Ousmane Sonko’s first public statement, late Tuesday evening, since his 2-year prison sentence for “youth corruption” on June 1st. A judgment that had led to deadly violence in the country, with 16 deaths according to the official report, and 30 according to the Pastef party of the opponent.
On the eve of the Muslim Tabaski holiday, Ousmane Sonko appears in a video message in a navy blue polo shirt, two sheep in the background on the balcony of his Dakar home in the Cité Keur Gorgui district, where he has been still stranded since the end of May by the defense and security forces. “Sequestered” according to him, is a measure of “public order” response to the government.
In this message in Wolof, Ousmane Sonko thanks the religious guide who offered him a sheep. He evokes the Koran, but also the Bible, and sends his wishes to his compatriots for the feast.
Two weeks ago, on June 15th, the Keeper of the Seals explained that Ousmane Sonko had not been arrested because the full court decision had not yet been written, and had not been notified to him.
As of now, it is the status quo on President Macky Sall’s possible third candidacy for a third term in February 2024. During his speech, the Head of State assured the audience that he would speak “after Tabaski”.