Senegal’s main opposition leader issued what he called an “ultimatum” to President Macky Sall, urging him to release those arrested during a day of clashes that reportedly left three dead.
Three opposition figures were also arrested and the town’s mayor was unable to leave his home, the spokesman for Sonko’s PASTEF party said.
The media and the opposition have now reported a third collateral death from the clashes: a taxi driver shot in Ziguinchor, Casamance.
In a Facebook post on Friday night, Sonko said: “Mr. Macky Sall, we give you an ultimatum (to) release all political hostages in your hands; beyond that, we will come and take these political hostages, whatever it takes.”
Sonko accused Sall of being “a murderous president.” Referring to the riots that rocked Senegal last year, he said: “After having killed 14 people during the events of February-March 2021, here you are adding three more victims to your list in June 2022.”
The clashes come as the country is in the midst of pre-election tension.
Sonko had called protests against the decision to exclude a list of candidates for Senegal’s legislative elections on July 31.
The measure also bars him and other opposition figures from contesting the ballot.