The trial of Senegal’s opposition leader on charges of rape has resumed, but Ousmane Sonko failed to appear in court for a second time.
Security forces patrolled the streets of the capital, Dakar, fearing trouble from his supporters.
Mr Sonko is very popular among young people.
The 48-year-old politician says the trial, which started last week, is politically motivated and aimed at stopping him running for the presidency next year.
He denies sexually assaulting a woman, who worked in a massage parlour, as well as making death threats against her.
The former tax inspector is believed to be in the southern city of Ziguinchor, where he is mayor, according to the AFP news agency.
Protesters there have been barricading the road to his house to stop his potential arrest.