The Senegalese opponent Ousmane Sonko denounced in a video he posted on his social networks on Monday March 20, an assassination attempt against his person on the day of his trial for defamation last Thursday.

On his way to court for the trial against the Minister of Tourism Mame Mbaye Niang on Thursday 16 March, Ousmane Sonko was sprayed with an “extremely toxic liquid”.

“What happened on Thursday March 16 before the eyes of the whole world is neither more nor less than an assassination attempt. I was sprayed with a liquid that is extremely harmful to my health”, said the opponent in his hospital bed where he has been confined since that day.

“The liquid, the composition of which we do not yet know and about which the doctors are suspicious, immediately caused breathing difficulties, paralysing effects on the eyes, skin reactions and adverse effects on the digestive system,” he said, adding that “the clothes were sent out of the country for analysis.

“They want to get rid of me at all costs,” he said, accusing President Macky Sall and his regime of using a “strategy of terror” to eliminate political opponents.

However, the leader of Pastef says he is feeling better and calls on his supporters to continue mobilising in this fight against injustice.

As for a probable medical evacuation suggested by his supporters, Ousmane Sonko categorically refused. “As long as our doctors here in the country ensure that they can take care of me properly, I will not leave this country,” he insisted.

It should be noted that since March 16, clashes have occurred between youth groups and security forces in several towns in the country. On Monday 20 March, a young demonstrator was shot dead in the commune of Bignona (south) and the headquarters of the presidential party, Alliance for the Republic (Apr) in Ziguinchor, one of Sonko’s strongholds, was set on fire. The hearing was adjourned to March 30. A conviction could invalidate his candidacy for the next presidential election scheduled for 25 February 2024.