One dead in Senegal clashes amid pre-poll tensions

Clashes between youths and police left one dead in Senegal's capital Dakar on Friday as officers blocked off access to the home of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Three opposition figures -- Dethie Fall, Ahmet Aidara and Mame Diarra Fame -- were also arrested, spokesman for Sonko's PASTEF party, Ousseynou Ly, said.

The police action came after Sonko called for protests at a time when the country was in the grip of pre-election tension.

Roads leading to his property in an upmarket district of Dakar were closed off by barricades and police in anti-riot gear. Supporters who tried to get near the building were firmly told to turn back, A reporter saw.

At midday, police prevented Sonko from going to Friday prayers.

He said he did not personally blame the police officers who were ordered to block him into his home but accused authorities of giving in to "panic".

Sonko, who came third in the 2019 presidential election, had called for a protest on Friday against a decision to bar a list of candidates for Senegal's legislative elections on July 31.

The move also bans him and other opposition figures from contesting the ballot.

Police fired teargas at youths and used stun grenades to disperse them in a number of Dakar neighbourhoods.

The violence left one person dead when a projectile set fire to a depot, a Red Cross official said on condition of anonymity.

Some figures have appealed for dialogue.