Senegal Faces Protests and Social Media Shutdown After Opposition Leader's Jail Sentence

At least nine people have been killed in protests in Senegal following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison on charges of "corrupting youth." Sonko's political party claims the verdict was politically motivated as he is challenging President Macky Sall's government. The protests have been ongoing since the trial began in 2021, with Sonko's supporters accusing Sall of attempting to undermine him. The verdict could jeopardize Sonko's chances of running in next year's presidential race.