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Senegalese Court Reinstates Opposition Leader Sonko in Election Race
In a dramatic turn of events, a Senegalese court has reinstated opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to the electoral register, clearing the path for him to challenge President Macky Sall in February’s presidential election.
Sonko, 49, was removed from the list in June after being convicted of “corrupting the youth,” though he was cleared of rape charges stemming from a 2021 accusation. He maintains his innocence in all cases, calling them politically motivated attempts to derail his campaign.
The firebrand leader, popular among Senegal’s youth, enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years. A former tax inspector dismissed in 2016, he stormed onto the scene by winning a parliamentary seat and the mayoralty of Ziguinchor. He finished third in the 2019 presidential election, solidifying his status as a major challenger to Sall.
His supporters erupted in jubilation outside the courtroom after the ruling, raising hopes for a competitive election in the West African nation. However, the government swiftly declared its intention to appeal the decision, injecting uncertainty into the already tense political climate.
Sonko’s repeated arrests have triggered deadly protests in recent years, raising concerns about potential unrest surrounding the election. His release from prison, currently set for December 26th, will be a key test for Senegal’s stability.
With President Sall stepping down after two terms, the February elections hold major implications for Senegal’s future. Sonko’s return to the ballot box adds a potent and polarizing figure to the mix, injecting unpredictability into an already high-stakes race.
UN Chief Demands Urgent Action on Fossil Fuels at COP28
As COP28 entered its final hours, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Monday, Dec 11 issued a strong call for an agreement to phase out fossil fuels. Recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis, he implored negotiators to show “maximum ambition and maximum flexibility” in their final deliberations.
“We are in a race against time,” Guterres declared, highlighting the crucial need for decisive action. He emphasized the “single-minded focus” required to tackle the root cause of the crisis – fossil fuel production and consumption.
Guterres acknowledged the opposition of oil-producing nations, but remained firm in his stance. He called for the summit to recognize the necessity of phasing out all fossil fuels, albeit with different timelines for individual countries.
“This doesn’t mean that all countries must phase out fossil fuels at the same time,” he clarified. “But globally, the phase-out needs to be compatible with net-zero emissions by 2050 and a temperature rise limit of 1.5 degrees.”
Guterres also called for consideration of the concerns of fossil fuel producers, suggesting a balanced approach that acknowledges their needs while prioritizing climate action.
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