A Gambian politician has expressed concern about the civil unrest in neighbouring Senegal that erupted after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was detained over rape alleagtion.

Dr Ismaila Ceesay, the leader of Citizens Alliance, urged the Senegalese government to exercise restrain and ensure rule of law in the ongoing civil unrest. 

“We are gravely concerned about the shrinking of the democratic space, violations of civil liberties, and the deteriorating security situation in Senegal against the backdrop of the arrest of key opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

“We urge the authorities in Dakar to exercise restraint, ensure the rule of law and take appropriate measures to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens.”

Dr Ceesay is the first Gambian political leader to publicly expressed his concerns at the ongoing civil crisis in Senegal where supporters of Sonko are fighting street battles with members of the security forces. 

Two protesters have already died from gunshot wounds and many others have been injured in the three day violent protest. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba