U.S takes stock of political situation in Senegal in phone conversation

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a phone conversation with Senegal’s leader Macky Sall to discuss the political situation in the West African country after several days of unrest that ensued the condemnation of political figure Ousmane Sonko.

The conversation, Senegal’s State-run news agency APS notes, took place Wednesday. Senegal was rocked by several days of unrest in which at least 16 people were killed, according to a public count.

Authorities said 500 people have been arrested in connection to the protests. “I spoke to President Macky Sall on the phone today. We discussed the political situation in Senegal”, A. Blinken himself said on Twitter. The US top diplomat, according to the APS, offered his “condolences for those killed during the recent unrest”. He also “reiterated his support for the Senegalese people and democratic values.”

The protests erupted in several cities including the capital Dakar on June 1st after the condemnation of Sonko, a presidential candidate in February 2024 elections, to two years in prison on charges of “corrupting youth in a rape case” involving a young woman aged less than 21.

Sall, during a cabinet meeting held also Wednesday, ordered an investigation into the clashes. He, according to his administration, “reiterated his openness to dialogue and consultation with all the living forces of the nation in respect of the rule of law and of our common interest to live together in peace, stability and solidarity.”

The Senegalese leader launched on May 31 a national dialogue initiative supposed to appease the political tension in the country, but rejected by a chunk of the opposition, including Sonko.

The President’s  critics accuse him for the crisis owing to his plans to run for a third term in office. He is feared to be planning an amendment of the Constitution. He has not yet unveiled his intent.