Senegal opposition leader barricaded

Security vehicles and barricades surrounded the home of a Senegalese opposition leader Wednesday as authorities banned rallies on the eve of a trial that could determine his eligibility to contest next year’s presidential election.

A cordon of police in riot gear barred the way to Ousmane Sonko’s vehicle at the end of his street outside his home in the capital Dakar, footage broadcast live on social networks showed.

Security forces fired tear gas at reporters interviewing a member of parliament who had come to support Sonko, an AFP journalist saw. Sonko’s confinement comes amid growing tensions a year ahead of the presidential election, raising fears of violence in a state reputed for stability.