Senegal: released, opponent Ousmane Sonko makes a public appearance in Dakar

Hundreds of supporters welcomed him in a white boubou near a hotel in the capital, where he spoke to the press with his second, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a presidential candidate on March 24 who was also recently released.

The Supreme Court rejected the requests of disqualified presidential candidates, including Karim Wade, who had asked to suspend the decrees setting the election date and campaign duration. These requests were declared "inadmissible".

Several thousand Dakar residents cheered and danced until late at night to celebrate the release of Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye. They gathered in front of the Cape Manuel prison, along their procession, and in front of Sonko's home.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is running for president in Sonko's place with his consent, briefly addressed the crowd from the sunroof of his car. He wore a blue boubou, white cap, and national flag on his shoulders, and praised the "support and solidarity" his supporters showed. He also presented "the project", which signifies that the presidency is not just a matter between him and Sonko.

Faye and Sonko were granted amnesty under a law passed last week at the urging of President Macky Sall. This was done to ease tensions after three years of political turmoil, further inflamed by a last-minute postponement of the presidential election.