…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
Release of Senegalese Opposition Party Members Facing Court Cases
Two senior members of Senegal’s main opposition party, Pastef, who were facing separate court cases, were released from custody on Wednesday.
The release came after legal proceedings against them, as confirmed by their lawyers and a party spokesman.
The cases involved El Malick Ndiaye, Pastef’s national secretary for communications, and Birame Souleye Diop, the party’s vice president and a member of parliament.
El Malick Ndiaye’s Charges and Release
El Malick Ndiaye was charged on Wednesday with offenses related to “acts or manoeuvres likely to jeopardise public safety and dissemination of false news.”
Pastef spokesman Ousseynou Ly provided this information to AFP.
Ndiaye was accused of being involved in the creation of an audio recording, which he denies, and whose authorship has been claimed by someone else.
Ndiaye was released on bail following his charges, according to Ousseynou Ly and Ndiaye’s lawyer, Cire Cledor Ly.
Birame Souleye Diop’s Charges and Current Status
On July 11, Birame Souleye Diop, the vice president of Pastef and a member of parliament, was charged based on comments he made about President Macky Sall.
Diop’s lawyer informed AFP about the charges at the time.
President Sall had recently announced that he would not seek a third term in the upcoming election, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty.
In a press conference, Diop suggested that the president could reverse his decision, causing controversy.
Diop later apologized for his comments, but it is unclear whether he has been released on bail or cleared of charges at this time.
The Impact of Sonko’s Case
The Pastef party is led by Ousmane Sonko, who is President Sall’s strongest opponent.
Sonko received a two-year prison sentence in June for the moral corruption of a young woman, which made him ineligible to participate in the presidential election scheduled for February 2024.
This verdict triggered widespread unrest in Senegal, resulting in at least 16 deaths.
Sonko, who was tried in absentia, has been confined to his home by security forces since late May.
Current Outlook and Conclusion
While some members of the opposition party have faced legal challenges, including charges and imprisonment, the recent release of El Malick Ndiaye and Birame Souleye Diop from custody indicates a shift in their legal situations.
However, the overall political climate in Senegal remains tense, as the opposition continues to voice its concerns and opposition leader Ousmane Sonko remains confined.
The situation is fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming months.
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