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Supreme Court Blocks Sonko’s Bid for Senegal Presidency
Ousmane Sonko, a charismatic opposition leader seen as a strong challenger in Senegal’s upcoming presidential election, has been dealt a major blow after the Supreme Court upheld his libel conviction, potentially barring him from the February 25th poll.
Sonko, who placed third in the 2019 election, has faced a string of legal challenges since 2021, which he claims are politically motivated. He denies all charges against him, including the libel conviction for defaming a government minister.
The latest ruling throws his candidacy into doubt. Senegalese electoral law disqualifies anyone convicted by a final court ruling. Despite a last-ditch appeal, the Supreme Court rejected Sonko’s challenge early Friday morning after nearly 12 hours of deliberations.
“The fight will continue,” Sonko’s lawyer defiantly told reporters, hinting at further legal options. However, time is running out, as the Constitutional Council releases the final list of cleared candidates on January 20th.
Sonko’s repeated arrests and legal woes have sparked violence in recent years, tarnishing Senegal’s image as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. While there were no immediate signs of unrest following the court decision, political tensions are likely to remain high in the lead-up to the election.
Sonko’s exclusion throws the race wide open, leaving President Macky Sall’s chosen successor, former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, as the frontrunner. However, with Sonko’s passionate following and the potential for legal avenues to challenge the ruling, the political landscape remains unpredictable.
Sudan Recalls Ambassador from Kenya over Rebel Leader Visit
Sudan’s acting foreign minister announced on Thursday that the country has recalled its ambassador from Kenya in protest of President William Ruto’s meeting with Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the commander of Sudan’s powerful Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Daglo, a controversial figure accused of human rights abuses, has been on a diplomatic offensive, visiting several African capitals in recent weeks. His visit to Kenya, the first leg of his tour, drew the ire of Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is locked in a bitter power struggle with Daglo.
Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since April 2023, pitting the RSF, led by Daglo, against the regular army under Burhan’s command. The conflict has already claimed over 12,000 lives and displaced millions, creating a dire humanitarian crisis.
The war has also fractured regional alliances, with Kenya seeking to maintain ties with both sides in the hope of facilitating a peaceful resolution. However, Burhan’s recent warning to African governments hosting Daglo, whom he branded a “killer,” has strained relations with Nairobi.
Daglo’s visit to Kenya was seen as a bid to bolster his international legitimacy, a move that directly challenges Burhan’s claim to represent the Sudanese government. While Burhan’s administration retains official recognition, the RSF’s control over key areas like Khartoum and Darfur gives them significant leverage.
With deep animosity between the rival generals, peace talks have stalled. The international community’s efforts to mediate the conflict have so far yielded little result, leaving Sudan’s future hanging in the balance.
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