Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko attacked by security forces as US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights leaves town

Following the finish of  the Yewwi Askan Wi "Giga meeting" in Dakar today, where hundreds of thousand of people had met peacefully to express their discontent with the Macky Sall government , the cortege of the opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, returning home, was again subject to unprovoked attacked by elements of the security forces  with tear gas shells. It should be recalled that a month ago Ousmane Sonko's convoy was similarly blocked and attacked by security forces when returning home from a court appearance. On that occasion his vehicle window was smashed and he was forcibly removed by Gendarmes in order to be take home "for his own safety", images of which shocked viewers around the world. 

Earlier on in the day US  Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya on a visit to Senegal tweeted that she had been "Thrilled" to meet President Macky Sall to "discuss shared priorities on democracy, human rights, security, & Senegal’s vibrant democratic tradition".

It remains to be seen what her view will be on such a deliberate breech of Senegal's "democracy, human rights, security, & Senegal’s vibrant democratic tradition" when there are such irresponsible and blatant unprovoked violent attacks by "security" forces. Video footage shows heavily armoured police, mounting roadblocks and firing teargas at and into vehicles peacefully making their way home, including at a passing ambulance and into neighbouring houses.

These attacks follows a meeting yesterday when members of president |Macky Sall's party made threats to burn down opposition leader Sonko's house whilst standing next to the Minister for Youth  without any sanction.

Live footage of the attack can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvk7xfOKSzM