Skip to main content

Thousands celebrate release of jailed Senegal opposition leaders

World,Africa,Prisoners,Amnesty,Freedom

From the Center

Senegalese opposition firebrand Ousmane Sonko and the presidential candidate he is backing in the March 24 election, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, were released from prison on Thursday, state broadcaster RTS said on its website.

Their release had been expected after parliament passed an amnesty law on March 6 as the authorities sought to ease tensions following their thwarted bid to postpone the vote by 10 months.

RTS did not give further details, and it was not immediately clear where the pair were after their release.

Thousands of supporters massed in Dakar, the capital, to celebrate the news, chanting Sonko's name on…

AllSides Picks

More News about World

News from the Left

News from the Center

News from the Right