Amnesty International calls on Senegalese authorities to provide justice, truth, and reparations to victims of protests from 2021 to 2024. The amnesty law passed in March 2024 obstructs accountability for the violent repression of protests, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. Leaders of Amnesty International stress the need for the law’s repeal and emphasize that financial assistance is insufficient without legal accountability.
Senegalese authorities are urged to ensure justice and reparations for the victims of the violent repression of protests that occurred from 2021 to 2024, according to Amnesty International. This call follows the anniversary of an amnesty law enacted on March 6, 2024, which covers crimes related to demonstrations during this tumultuous period.
The protests stemmed primarily from the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, during which security forces employed excessive and lethal force. Amnesty International reported that at least 65 individuals were killed—mostly from gunfire—and over 1,000 were injured, while approximately 2,000 more were arrested during these protests.
Marceau Sivieude, interim regional director for West and Central Africa at Amnesty International, stated, “Justice, truth and reparation require that security forces allegedly responsible for excessive and illegal use of force during protests be prosecuted.” He emphasized the necessity of repealing the amnesty law to ensure accountability.
Seydi Gassama, executive director of Amnesty International Senegal, noted that while financial support provided to some victims in 2024 was a positive step, it fell short of addressing their demands for justice and preventing future violations. Gassama insisted upon the repeal of the amnesty law as a critical condition for delivering justice to all victims.
The protests initially erupted in March 2021 following Sonko’s arrest, continuing for three years amid ongoing investigations and political tensions, including allegations against former President Macky Sall for attempting a third-term bid and election delays.
During the legislative election campaign in November 2024, Sonko pledged to repeal the amnesty law to facilitate justice for victims of earlier protests. His parliamentary list achieved a significant victory in those elections. In response to the unrest, the government initiated financial assistance for some victims of arbitrary detentions in 2024, extending support in January 2025 to families of deceased individuals. However, this aid lacked a judicial framework and was done through the Ministry of Family and Solidarities, in partnership with civil society organizations.
Amnesty International has condemned the amnesty law while advocating for the right to peaceful assembly and expression through its ongoing campaign, “Protect the protest.”
The call for justice in Senegal is pressing, particularly concerning the victims of the violent protests from 2021 to 2024. Amnesty International’s demands include the repeal of the amnesty law and prosecution of security forces responsible for human rights abuses. While initial financial assistance is a step forward, it does not satisfy the need for accountability or guarantee protection against future violations. Continued advocacy for justice and reparation remains essential for healing and reform in Senegal.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
