Amnesty International urges Senegalese authorities to ensure justice, truth, and reparations for victims of protests from 2021 to 2024, highlighting the challenges posed by an amnesty law passed in March 2024 that protects security forces from accountability. The organization emphasizes the need for the repeal of this law to deliver justice amidst reports of excessive force resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
Amnesty International emphasizes the urgent need for the Senegalese authorities to ensure justice, truth, and reparations for numerous victims affected by the violent suppression of protests from 2021 to 2024. This plea comes on the first anniversary of an amnesty law implemented on March 6, 2024, which shields law enforcement from accountability for actions taken during politically charged demonstrations within this timeframe.
The amnesty law addresses acts classified as crimes during protests surrounding the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, during which excessive and lethal force was frequently used by security personnel. Reports from Amnesty International and other civic organizations indicate that the violence resulted in at least 65 fatalities—predominantly due to firearms—over 1,000 injuries, and approximately 2,000 arrests.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s interim regional director, asserts that accountability for the alleged misconduct of security forces is crucial for achieving justice. He stated, “Justice, truth and reparation require that security forces allegedly responsible for excessive and illegal use of force during protests be prosecuted.” The amnesty law is viewed as an impediment that must be addressed by Senegalese authorities.
Furthermore, Seydi Gassama, the executive director of Amnesty International Senegal, remarked on the financial aid provided to victims, calling it merely a preliminary measure that fails to fulfill the necessity for justice and guarantees against future violations. He declared, “Senegalese authorities must repeal the amnesty law and provide justice to all victims of human rights violations during protests.”
These protests, ignited by Sonko’s arrest in March 2021, extended over three years as the investigation progressed and were fueled by previous frustrations regarding President Macky Sall’s perceived intentions to secure a third term and delays in the scheduled elections. In the wake of the November 2024 legislative elections, Prime Minister Sonko pledged to repeal the amnesty law as a step towards addressing the injustices faced by protest victims.
In 2024, victims of arbitrary detentions began to receive limited financial relief courtesy of the Ministry of Family and Solidarities, which was later expanded in January 2025 to include families of deceased protesters and more individuals affected by unjust detentions. Despite the lack of judicial oversight, this assistance was initiated with input from political prisoner committees and civil society groups.
Amnesty International continues to advocate against the amnesty law, urging the Senegalese government to respect the fundamental rights of peaceful expression and assembly under its ongoing “Protect the protest” campaign.
In summary, Amnesty International calls on Senegalese authorities to enact justice for victims of protest-related violence between 2021 and 2024. The organization, highlighting the inadequacies of the amnesty law, insists that accountability for security forces is imperative. While some financial assistance has begun for victims, true justice remains elusive unless the amnesty law is repealed and comprehensive measures for reparation are implemented. Advocating for freedom of expression and assembly continues to be a critical element of Amnesty’s mission in Senegal.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
