Ousmane Sonko in ‘deep coma’

He stated: “The leader of the former Pastef is in an alarming situation according to his lawyer who via a press release calls on the authorities to put an end to his detention.

The situation of Mr. Ousmane Sonko is alarming and his state of health is worryingly worsening. He entered a deep coma this Monday, October 23, 2023, which surprised even the Hospital Service and confirms the concerns that I had raised after visiting him the day before. What happened this morning proves that the irreversible can happen at any time, since the Control and Care Service can be caught off guard at any time. The authorities can end his detention and they know the legal mechanisms to do so. Furthermore, at all levels of jurisdiction, there is an authority to whom the law confers the power to put an end to this unjust detention which is only justified by the filthy power play in a democracy and a rule of law. I solemnly appeal to the President of the Republic and the Minister of Justice who have powers allowing them to activate levers which do not undermine the separation of powers and which would be consistent with the civil rights of the person, guaranteed and protected by international human rights instruments. I also launch an urgent appeal to the religious authorities who must not remain indifferent to this situation, so that they use their power and influence for the immediate release of Mr. Ousmane Sonko who, like any citizen, must enjoy the rights elementary rights provided for by national laws and international legal instruments ratified by Senegal and which mean that detention before trial must be an exception and freedom the rule.

Finally, I appeal to the international community concerned with peace and stability in the sub-region and in the continent, to do everything that the agreements and the bonds of friendship allow them, so that the serious and persistent disturbance that the sole cause of the continued detention of Mr. Ousmane Sonko is resolved, before the irreparable which is foreseeable occurs, with serious consequences on peace, security and stability in the sub-region.”