The Senegalese capital Dakar was thrown into a celebratory frenzy late Thursday after the news about the release of opposition politician Ousmane Sonko and his second in command Bassirou Diomaye Faye went viral across all social media platforms.

All roads leading to Sonko’s residence at Cité Keur Gorgui were blocked by hundreds of fans, supporters and members of the now-dissolved PASTEF party who trooped in to welcome their leader.

Abdullahi Hassan reports.*