Normalcy has returned to Senegal following violent clashes between police and followers of embattled opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was found guilty of corrupting adolescents by a Dakar court.
The bustling metropolis returned to its customary pattern, with informal firms, which employ a higher share of the workforce, restarting their operations.
Some city residents believe the protests are financially unsustainable.
“We really hope that the demonstrations will stop so that activities can resume. We’ve got Tabaski coming up in less than a month and lots of other events to prepare for, but nothing’s happening at the moment. I really want things to get back to normal so that we can meet our needs,” said Abdoulaye Tine, a taxi driver.
“These are difficult times. We live from day to day, so going days without work is a real problem because our business is at a standstill, the movement of people is complicated and we can no longer earn a daily income. The informal sector is our livelihood and it’s the sector most affected,” said Babacar Séne, a clothes salesman.
Clashes between Sonko’s supporters and police broke out after the ruling, leading to 15 deaths over two days, according to government figures.
Shops and businesses were ransacked.
