Senegal protests

Supporters of an opposition leader in Senegal protested outside of a courthouse and clashed with police in the capital, Dakar, on March 5, leaving at least one person dead. The leader had been arrested two days before on charges of rape and making threats, accusations he claims were made up to prevent him from running in future elections. Two popular opposition candidates were arrested shortly before a 2019 presidential election as well.

After the protests, the Senegalese government suspended two independent news TV channels and restricted internet access and social media phone apps. In addition, motorcycles and mopeds were banned from streets in Dakar.