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Senegal Opposition Leader Ends Hunger Strike

Jailed Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, an aspiring presidential candidate and head of state Macky Sall's fiercest critic, ended a hunger strike on Monday September 5, 2023. RFI reports that Sonko began the hunger strike on July 3-, 2023 to protest political oppression by the government in power in Senegal. He was hospitalised on August 6 and admitted to an intensive care unit, according to his lawyers and party.

Sonko ,who was a strong contender to run in the presidential elections set for February 25, 2024, has faced several legal charges that began in May this year, writes Melissa Chemam for Radio France Internationale.

Since May Sonko has been the subject of multiple accusations and convictions including "corruption of youth". He was sentenced to two years in prison following a trial led by a beauty salon hostess. The case was withdrawn

In mid-August, sources said Sonko had received a note announcing his removal from the electoral list, and linking it to his recent legal woes, but a spokesperson for his Pastef party told RFI that neither Sonko nor the party had been informed of his removal.

Pastef Les Patriotes/Facebook

Ousmane Sonko (file photo).

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