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Sonko Rape Trial: Why Do Senegalese Women Fear Rights Setback?

A rape case in Senegal created the buzz, probably in the world. Known as the Sanko Rape Trial, the case revolves around Ousmane Sonko, a prominent politician and opposition chief accused of raping a woman and making death threats.

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Snehal Mutha
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Sonko Rape Trial
A rape case in Senegal created the buzz, probably in the world. Known as the Sanko Rape Trial, the case revolves around Ousmane Sonko, a prominent politician and opposition chief accused of raping a woman and making death threats.

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The 48-year-old is accused of raping Adij Sarr, a 23-year-old beauty salon employee. She also alleged that Sonko made death threats against her. However, the leader of the Pastef party Sonko denied the accusations and called it a conspiracy.

The conspiracy to remove him ahead of the 2024 elections. Also, Ousmane Sonko is known for attacks on Senegal’s elite, which has drawn a huge following among youth.

The two-year case has created a stir in the country. It has polarised the country and given rise to unrest, especially before Sonko’s rape trial in Dakar. There have been violent confrontations between Sonko's supporters and the officials. Today, on June 1, Dakar court was scheduled to hear Sanko's case. 

Sonko Rape Trial

Now the case has not just remained about the crime against women, but it has turned political. Sanko called on the public to protest en masse. He could have allowed the judiciary to do its work, but instead, he chose to use his popularity to instigate his supporters and create political unrest. 

Meanwhile, the feminists voiced that the two-year-old case has detoured a rare chance to advance the rights of victims of sexual violence. Maybe a step backwards in the struggle for female empowerment in the West African nation.

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Setback For Women's Rights

Aminata Libain Mbengue of the Feminists’ Network of Senegal (RFS) said, “This trial is a huge setback that will leave its mark on the history of women’s rights." Reportedly Sarr faced threats and insults and went aloof, however, now provided security by the police. Mbengue added, “Whatever the verdict be, Sarr has already been given life imprisonment, she has lost all freedom.”

The case is now missing the central issue which is sexual violence against women. Activists too believe the victim of sexual violence is sidelined. In the case of Sarr, people reportedly blamed her for her appearance and criticised the way she carries herself. Her appearance has been termed vulgar and her testimony as crude. 

The RFS feminist collective released a statement criticising Sonko and the government of Senegal. It stated that Sonko’s shortcomings on several emergencies and concerns of Senegalese and Africans are exposed. Indeed, comparing Adji Sarr to a “Monkey” is a misogynistic stereotype, a label that has historically been used by racist supremacists to degenerate and dehumanise Black people across the world. 

The statement further added that rape is still a taboo topic in Senegal, and most survivors are unaware of the law.

Image Credits: Africa Feeds


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Senegalese Women Sonko Rape Trial
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