As previously reported by the World Movement for Democracy, Aliou Sané, coordinator of the Y’en a Marre Movement and deputy coordinator of the Forces Vives de la Nation (F24) platform, was arrested on October 5, 2023, at his home by Dakar Central Police’s urban security force. Mr. Sané was originally arrested on May 29 while trying to reach the home of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who had been prevented from leaving his residency and was later sentenced to two years in prison. On Friday, December 29, 2023, the judge of the Indictment Chamber ordered the conditional release of Aliou Sane, but the Public Prosecutor representing the Chancellery appealed to suspend the decision and prolong Aliou Sane’s detention. The World Movement for Democracy joins more than 100 organizations, democracy advocates, journalists, artists, activists, and celebrities from Africa and the rest of the world, in denouncing the arbitrary detention of Aliou Sané and demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

Read the full declaration demanding Aliou Sané’s release here.