By AFP 02 June 2023 | 2:45 pm Senegalese authorities on Friday deployed security forces around the capital Dakar, a day after an outburst of violence left nine people dead following the conviction of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko. Heavy Security in Dakar Senegalese authorities on Friday deployed security forces around the capital Dakar, a day after an outburst of violence left nine people dead following the conviction of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko. Clashes erupted on Thursday after Sonko, President Macky Sall’s fiercest opponent, was convicted for “corrupting” a young woman, in a case which has deeply divided Senegal, usually a bastion of stability in West Africa. The ruling may disqualify Sonko from contesting next year’s presidential election. On Friday, men in fatigues carrying rifles were stationed at various points in Dakar, where the streets were deserted and activity had virtually ground to a halt, AFP journalists observed. AFP was not immediately able to identify which force they belonged to. “While appealing for calm and serenity from our fellow citizens, the state of Senegal has taken all measures to guarantee the safety of people and property”, Interior Minister Antoine Diome declared overnight after one of the deadliest days of political protests for years. On Thursday, shops and public facilities were ransacked and the motorway between Dakar and the international airport was overrun with demonstrators. Young people clashed with security forces, with stones and tear gas being thrown. The interior minister reported nine deaths on national television. Shops remained closed on Friday along entire streets still bearing the scars of the previous day’s violence. There was extensive destruction on the main university campus, where prolonged clashes took place on Thursday. Latest 5 mins ago Tein Jack-Rich, the frontline presidential aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has congratulated Sen. George Akume and Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, over their appointments as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and Chief of Staff (COS) to the President respectively. Akume and Gbajabiamila’s appointments were announced on Friday by President… 10 mins ago The Lamidi Apapa faction of Labour Party (LP) has asked the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi to step down his case at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT), noting that he (Obi) is not showing any seriousness. 15 mins ago Symbols of consolation, they had, by their deeds across time, reverently and consistently lifted the banners of genuine brotherhood, business integrity, dexterity, true statesmanship, exemplary industry, perseverance, and every other value of importance. And by a mixture of sheer grit and hard work, while steering their business brands, they became creators of employment, bastions of… 17 mins ago The Nigeria Labour Congess (NLC) has declared a nationwide strike from next Wednesday. NLC President Joe Ajaero made the announcement after an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja. The congress said it took the decision due to the fuel shortages across the country, following President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural speech in… 27 mins ago A Benue State High Court has upheld the suspension of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu. In March, Ayu was suspended by his Nyorov council ward exco members due to failure to pay dues, abruptly ending his reign as National Chairman of PDP. Ayu was accused by the ward exco…
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