Senegal Protests Spark Violence and Instability Amid Opposition Leader Sentencing

At least 16 people have died and hundreds arrested since violent protests broke out on Thursday in Senegal, following the sentencing of popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was cleared of a rape charge but found guilty of corrupting young people. His supporters say the verdict was politically motivated as Sonko is challenging President Macky Sall’s government in upcoming elections next year. The Senegalese branch of Amnesty International has called on authorities to investigate the deaths of protesters and condemned the internet cuts.