Senegal: Urgent Call for Justice in Light of 2021-2024 Protest Repression

Amnesty International demands accountability for the victims of violent protests in Senegal between 2021 and 2024. The organization criticized the amnesty law protecting security forces as an obstacle to justice. Despite financial aid provided to some victims, former leaders and rights activists insist on the need for legitimate legal justice and the repeal of the amnesty law to prevent impunity.

On the first anniversary of an amnesty law for security forces, Amnesty International emphasizes the need for justice, truth, and reparation for thousands affected by the violent repression of protests in Senegal from 2021 to 2024. The law, enacted on March 6, 2024, protects acts classifying as crimes during politically motivated demonstrations, particularly following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Reports indicate that over 65 individuals were killed, primarily from gunfire, while more than 1,000 sustained injuries, and approximately 2,000 were arrested during these events.

Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty’s interim regional director for West and Central Africa, stated that “justice, truth and reparation require that security forces allegedly responsible for excessive and illegal use of force during protests be prosecuted.” He argued that the amnesty law impedes accountability, urging current Senegalese authorities to address this obstruction.

Seydi Gassama, executive director of Amnesty International Senegal, noted that while the 2024 financial assistance provided to some victims may represent a step forward, it does not fulfill the broader need for justice. Gassama asserted that the Senegalese government must revoke the amnesty law and ensure justice for victims of human rights abuses during protests.

The unrest began in March 2021 with the arrest of Ousmane Sonko, leading to widespread demonstrations that persisted over three years amid concerns over attempts by former President Macky Sall to secure a third term and the postponement of the February 2024 elections. During the parliamentary campaign in November 2024, Sonko pledged to abolish the amnesty law after his party won the legislative elections significantly.

In 2024, financial aid was allocated to victims of arbitrary detentions through the Ministry of the Family and Solidarities, extending to families of those killed in January 2025. The ministry reported 79 deaths due to the protests and 2,172 former detainees eligible for assistance, albeit outside judicial processes, yet partially in coordination with civil society entities, including Amnesty International. This organization continues to advocate against the amnesty law as part of its “Protect the Protest” initiative.

In summary, Amnesty International has called for urgent justice and accountability for victims of the violent repression experienced during protests in Senegal from 2021 to 2024. It stresses the need for the Senegalese government to repeal the amnesty law, which hinders legal recourse and perpetuates a culture of impunity. The organization continues to advocate for the rights of individuals to peacefully express dissent and assembly, urging authorities to provide reparative actions for affected families and victims.

Original Source: www.zawya.com