At least nine people were killed during clashes between riot police and protesters in Senegal after the opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, was given a two-year jail sentence.
The casualties were announced by Interior Minister Antoine Diome in a late-night news conference after a day of violence across the country.
Mr Diome said that social media, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, had been blocked.
Some of the worst clashes were in the southern city of Ziguinchor, where Sonko is the mayor.
The prison term – which was handed down in his absence – could prevent the opposition leader from contesting a presidential election next year.
He was found guilty of immoral behaviour, but cleared of rape
The ruling means he was found to have acted immorally towards an individual younger than 21. The charges stemmed from allegations made by a massage therapist. He denied any wrongdoing.
The Senegalese government says it will take all necessary steps to protect people and property following the deadly unrest.
Source: BBC
