A fresh rally has been called for in Dakar on Saturday by Senegal’s opposition. The call comes just days after the arrest of a rival of president Macky Sall sparked the West African nation’s worst unrest in years.

At least five people were killed in clashes between opposition supporters and security forces, following Ousmane Sonko’s arrest. 46-year-old Sonko had been held on rape charges, which he says were created in a smear campaign against him. Sonko was then arrested on charges of disturbing public order on Wednesday, after his supporters clashed with police while he was making his way to court for the rape case.

Meanwhile, Africa News reports that the opposition says the violence had claimed 11 lives.

Africa News reports that only on Monday had tensions begun to ease following Sonko’s release.

On Tuesday, an opposition collective, the Movement for Defence of Democracy, called for a peaceful demonstration in Dakar this weekend, for the release of political prisoners. It also called for a day of mourning on Friday, to commemorate the protesters killed in the recent demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Africa News reports that although there was still a military presence visible, some parts of Dakar that had a few days ago been smouldering with torched vehicles, had this week returned to calm.

Umm Muhammed Umar