Sonko released from prison ahead of presidential election this month

Sonko released from prison ahead of presidential election this month

Senegal’s top opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, was released from jail late Thursday ahead of the presidential election later this month, triggering jubilant celebrations across the capital, AP reported.

Sonko is widely seen as the main challenger to President Macky Sall’s ruling party. He was greeted outside the prison by crowds of supporters waving flags, chanting and holding up posters.

Sonko had been in prison since July and has fought a prolonged legal battle to run for president in the March 24 election. Sonko and his key ally, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, were both set free, his lawyer Bamba Cisse told The Associated Press.

It wasn’t immediately clear how their releases would impact the election. Faye was named the opposition’s election candidate after Sonko was barred from running.

Supporters also gathered at Sonko’s house and at other locations in Dakar to celebrate. Convoys of supporters drove around the capital tooting their horns and yelling until late at night.

Sonko, who finished third in the 2019 presidential election, is popular among young people and his fiery campaign to tackle corruption has resonated in a country with economic hardship.