Sonko's "caravan of freedom" heads to Dakar

In Senegal , the opposition leader's so called "caravan of freedom" is heading towards Dakar . 

The long convoy of vehicles departed Sonko's town, Ziguinchor , in a bid to gather support for Sonko's presidential bid next year.

"In fact, I wouldn't say it's a political battle, as people think. It's just that he gave as a concept: caravan of freedom. What has changed is that, now, instead of getting together with people to talk in public places, so as not to defy the prohibitions, we use a caravan in the big cities of the departments", said  Bassirou Coly , deputy mayor of Ziguinchor .

The popular opposition leader has declared himself a candidate to replace President Macky Sall in next year's elections.

"The objective is not to dislodge [President, ed.] Macky Sall . If Macky Sall succeeds in his quest to eliminate the people's candidate Ousmane Sonko , he will face the Senegalese people. It is not Ousmane Sonko that he will face, it will be the Senegalese people who are there watching", added the deputy mayor.

Next week, a court will issue its verdict in a case involving Sonko and allegations of rape.