Senegalese protesters clash with police in trucks vehicles. The first vehicle, a black Land Rover, retreats under a hail of rocks and other projectiles, and is relieved by another up armored truck. Gas spews from grenades tossed from the trucks, presumably tear gas, and the second truck seems to scatter the protesters. At least sixteen people have been reported killed in the conflict.

Protesters have taken to the streets in support of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko who was recently sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of “corrupting youth,” though he was acquitted of the more serious charge of rape. Sonko is popular with Senegalese youth and seen as an alternative to incumbent Macky Sall. Sall has served two terms as president and intends to run again in 2024, despite a previous pledge to forgo a third term. Prominent Senegalese intellectuals have accused Sall of an “authoritarian drift,” while the administration claims it is merely preserving law and order. The result is that a nation, which for decades has been a stable presence in a turbulent west Africa, is further gripped by internal conflict.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.