The opposition leader of the Senegalese party, Ousmane Sonko, was reported to have entered intensive care at a hospital in the capital Dakar after his health deteriorated on Wednesday evening, according to a statement from his party, the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity (known as Pastef) on Thursday. The statement's accuracy could not be independently verified. The party did not provide any details regarding Sonko's health condition.
Sonko has been on a hunger strike since July 30 in protest against accusations against him, which include conspiracy to commit insurrection, as well as a two-year prison sentence issued in June related to an alleged rape case. Sonko denies any wrongdoing. Supporters of Sonko have accused President Macky Sall of attempting to disqualify Sonko from running in the upcoming presidential elections. Protests organized by his supporters this year have occasionally resulted in clashes with police, leading to fatalities. The Sall government denies these accusations and holds Sonko responsible for inciting violence. Last month, the government dissolved his party.
