Three killed in Senegal clashes as Sonko snubs trial

Three people are now known to have died during clashes between Senegalese police and supporters of the opposition politician, Ousmane Sonko. He’s currently on trial accused of rape.

The protests broke out on Monday in the capital Dakar and in the southern city of Ziguinchor ahead of Mr Sonko’s scheduled court appearance.

He has denied the charge and did not turn up for the latest hearing. As a result, it has been adjourned for a week.

His allies say the case is a political ploy aimed at preventing him from running in next year’s presidential election.

The authorities said one of those who died was a police officer who was accidentally crushed by an armoured vehicle.