A Dakar court sentenced Ousmane Sonko, the most prominent challenger to President Macky Sall in next year’s presidential elections, to two months in prison for defaming a government minister.
(Bloomberg) — A Dakar court sentenced Ousmane Sonko, the most prominent challenger to President Macky Sall in next year’s presidential elections, to two months in prison for defaming a government minister.
Sonko, 48, was also fined 200 million CFA francs ($11 million), his lawyer Macoudou Ndour said by phone Thursday from the capital, Dakar. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Sonko can still run in next year’s vote, though Ndour said the ruling doesn’t disqualify him.
“Despite this conviction, Ousmane Sonko still retains his civil and political rights,” Dakar-based newspaper Soleil reported, without citing anyone.
The verdict comes as Sall, 61, may seek re-election after a constitutional amendment in 2016 that he says allows him to extend his two terms in power.
Sonko, the leader of the opposition African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, or Pastef-Patriotes in French, was sued for defamation over comments made about Senegalese Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang last year. Sonko also faces charges of rape and assault of a beauty-salon employee; he’s denied any wrongdoing and said the charges are politically motivated. A court date for that case hasn’t been set yet.
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