Senegalese President Macky Sall has called for calm after days of protests across the country against the detention of the main opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Sonko was arrested last week Wednesday and detained on charges relating to “disturbing public order and participating in an unauthorized demonstration”.

At least five people were killed in those protests that also resulted in widespread looting and damage of property.

Sonko was released on bail on Monday after pressure on the government.

In his speech last evening, President Sall called for the return of normalcy and the respect for the rule of law.