The first of a 2-day demonstration called by the main opposition coalition Yeewi Askan Wi (YAW) is due to start today, March 14, 2023.

Supporters of the opposition leader Ousmane Sonko are converging on the capital Dakar for a mega meeting this morning.

Tomorrow a national march in the 46 departments of Senegal is planned to denounce the arbitrary arrests of political actors and the use of the justice system against opponents according to YAW.

The demonstrations are being held on the eve of the trial of Sonko against the Minister of Tourism Mame Mbaye Niang who accuses him of defamation.

But is this a political choice or just a coincidence?

Ibrahima Bahoum, is a Senegalese journalist and political analyst.