Senegal Court Reinstates Opposition Leader Ousmane Sonko on Electoral List

Despite ongoing legal battles, Sonko could potentially run in the February 2024 presidential election.

Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has been ordered to be reinstated on the electoral list, potentially allowing him to run in the February 2024 presidential election.
Sonko, who has been in jail since July, has faced multiple charges including libel and rape, which he denies. His cases have sparked deadly violence across Senegal.
Sonko's supporters believe the criminal allegations against him are part of a campaign to derail his political aspirations.
The state has 10 days to appeal the court's decision and Sonko must file his candidacy by December 26.
Sonko, who finished third in the 2019 presidential election, is popular among the youth and seen as a main opposition challenger.