Senegalese police reported on Saturday that the death toll from anti-government protests in the country has risen to 15, as authorities in the capital Dakar began clearing debris and securing looted stores following two days of unrest. A police spokesperson stated via phone that "calm appears to have returned to most parts of Dakar today, but tensions remain high after violent protests in several cities resulted in six deaths yesterday, raising the overall death toll to 15 over the past two days."
A two-year prison sentence was handed down to Sonko on Thursday for corruption of youth, a ruling that could prevent him from participating in the presidential elections in February, sparking a wave of unrest as protesters responded to his call to stand against the authorities. Crowds looted at least two stores at gas stations last night in the Oukam and Ngor areas of Dakar, while a fire engulfed one store in the densely populated Grand Yoff area after it was looted. The government has requested military support for the riot police, who remain deployed around the city. This unrest is the latest wave of protests in Senegal, long considered one of the strongest democracies in West Africa. The trial of Sonko has triggered protests alongside rising concerns. Sal did not confirm or deny this.
