Senegalese Opposition Leader Convicted of Corrupting Youth, Deadly Protests Erupt

Ousmane Sonko was sentenced to two years in prison for corrupting youth but acquitted of rape charges, fueling protests that left at least nine dead.
Sonko's supporters claim the charges against him are politically motivated in an effort to bar him from running in Senegal's 2024 election.
The verdict sparked clashes between protesters and security forces in cities across Senegal, with the government suspending some social media platforms in response.
Rights groups have condemned the crackdown, which has included arbitrary arrests of protesters and journalists.
The unrest poses a threat to Senegal's democratic traditions and reputation for political pluralism.