Opposition Leaders and Activists Arrested Amid Growing Tensions in Senegal

On May 29, 2023, Aliou Sané, leader of the social movement Y’en a Marre and member of the opposition platform F24 (Forces Vives de la Nation), was arrested in Dakar after attempting to visit Ousmane Sonko at his residence. Sonko, a prominent opposition figure, had been barred from leaving his home, fueling tensions ahead of potential political developments in Senegal. Sané's arrest has been widely seen as part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures.

The following day, on May 30, Sané was brought before the office of the Public Prosecutor, where he was charged with participation in an undeclared demonstration and disturbance of the peace, among other charges. His arrest highlights the increasing political repression in Senegal, particularly in response to opposition activities challenging President Macky Sall's potential bid for a third term.

In addition to Sané's arrest, two members of the Front pour une Révolution Anti-Impérialiste Populaire et Panafricain (FRAPP) were also detained. Bentaleb Sow was arrested on May 31, 2023, at his home in Colobane, while Moustapha Diop was taken into custody the following day after attempting to visit detainees. Both arrests are seen as part of a wider pattern of repression against civil society and political opposition.

The crackdown on these activists comes amid increasing concerns over the political climate in Senegal, with opposition groups accusing the government of using legal and extrajudicial means to stifle dissent. The arrests have sparked widespread criticism from both domestic and international observers, who fear that the actions of the government are undermining democratic freedoms and rights to peaceful protest.