Senegal opposition plans mass protests over court ruling

A coalition of opposition parties in Senegal says it will stage protest rallies over what it says is a move to block one of its leaders, Ousmane Sonko, from standing in presidential elections, following his conviction in a defamation case.

On Monday an appeals court increased Mr Sonko's suspended prison sentence from two to six months for defaming Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niangtou.

He's also facing trial later this month for alleged rape and death threats over a complaint filed by an employee at a beauty salon.

He says the accusations are politically motivated. The government denies this.

In 2021, the rape charge against him provoked riots against the current president Macky Sall, in which at least 12 people died.