It is seen by all: the demonstrators were of an unprecedented violence. According to the National Police, there were some who had weapons of war which even the Defense and Security Forces do not have. Since the start of the riots, some 500 people, including minors and foreigners, have been arrested.

After 72 hours on the ground dealing with the rioters, the National Police took stock of the situation. Beyond a dozen injured, some 500 demonstrators, including minors and foreigners, were arrested between Thursday and Friday in Dakar and other regions. Director of Public Security, Divisional Commissioner Ibrahima Diop held a press briefing Monday: “There are indeed 500 arrests in the ranks of the demonstrators. Many of them had weapons of war that even the Defense and Security Forces do not have. They also had bladed weapons, Molotov cocktails…” The Dsp explains that the law enforcement institution will not fail in its mission:  “The police faced extremely violent people who did not hesitate to shoot at the Defense and Security Forces. For enhanced security, the National Police invites the populations to collaborate more to apprehend anyone who is part of these subversive acts. According to him, the National Police will take “all the necessary measures to prevent the country from sinking into chaos”.

Since the deliberation of the Ousmane Sonko trial condemning him to 2 years in prison for youth corruption, after being cleared of rape and death threats against Adji Sarr, demonstrators, in particular looters, have thrown themselves into the streets of Dakar. Several shops and banks were ransacked, also causing many injuries and deaths. According to the Senegalese Red Cross, nearly 357 demonstrators were injured, including a pregnant woman and 36 members of the Defense and Security Forces. Obviously, the departments of Dakar, Guédiawaye, Keur Massar, Pikine, Rufisque and Ziguinchor were the most affected. In addition, 78 cases of serious injuries were evacuated to health structures.

By Ousmane Sow 

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH