From our correspondent in Dakar, Théa Ollivier

On Monday, Ousmane Sonko's supporters had confronted police to express their support and indignation. As a result, security measures were significant this Thursday in Dakar. The streets leading to the National Assembly were blocked to pedestrians all day and law enforcement was deployed in the downtown area where, nonetheless, a complete calm prevailed

The authorities feared fresh clashes from activists of the opposition party Pastef, as the National Assembly bureau voted to proceed with the parliamentary immunity lifting procedure for their leader, Ousmane Sonko. The political opponent accused of rape with threats could soon no longer be protected by his status as a deputy.

A meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 15 to create the ad hoc commission of eleven members that will be tasked with ruling on whether or not to lift this immunity, confirms Aymerou Gningue, president of the parliamentary group of the ruling coalition Benno Bokk Yakaar. The commission must first hear Ousmane Sonko before a decision is made by vote in plenary assembly. A lengthy procedure that could still take several more days.