Senegalese authorities are urged to deliver justice and reparations to victims of violent repression from 2021-2024, highlighted by Amnesty International on the anniversary of an amnesty law shielding security forces from prosecution. Excessive force during protests resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. Amnesty International advocates for the law’s repeal for accountability, despite the government’s financial assistance to some victims and families.
Senegalese authorities are urged to ensure justice, truth, and reparations for thousands of protest victims from the violent repression occurring between 2021 and 2024, according to Amnesty International. This call to action follows the anniversary of an amnesty law enacted on March 6, 2024, which protects security forces from prosecution for actions taken during politically motivated protests held between February 1, 2021, and February 25, 2024, following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.
During these protests, excessive and unlawful force allegedly used by security personnel resulted in at least 65 fatalities and over 2,000 arrests, as reported by Amnesty International and civil society organizations. Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s interim regional director for West and Central Africa, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the amnesty law must be repealed to allow for the prosecution of those responsible for the violence inflicted upon demonstrators.
Amnesty International Senegal’s executive director, Seydi Gassama, remarked that while financial assistance was provided to a select group of victims and families of the deceased, it falls short of fulfilling their demand for justice and ensuring such incidents do not recur. The organization calls for the complete repeal of the amnesty law to secure justice for all victims of human rights violations during these protests.
The series of protests, ignited by Ousmane Sonko’s arrest in March 2021, persisted for three years amidst public discontent concerning the then-president Macky Sall’s perceived attempts to extend his presidency and delay the 2024 elections. During the 2024 election campaign, Prime Minister Sonko vowed to repeal the amnesty law to address the grievances of protest victims, and his parliamentary list achieved a significant electoral victory on November 17, 2024.
In 2024, the Senegalese government provided financial aid to victims of arbitrary detentions through the Ministry of the Family and Solidarities, later extending assistance to the families of individuals killed during protests. Although this aid occurred outside of a formal judicial process, it involved partial collaboration with various political prisoner committees and civil society organizations, including Amnesty International. Amnesty continues to advocate for the protection of the right to peaceful expression and assembly under its “Protect the protest” initiative.
In summary, the Senegalese government faces pressing calls to address the injustices stemming from the violent repression of protests from 2021 to 2024. With the enactment of a controversial amnesty law shielding security forces from accountability, organizations like Amnesty International urge for its repeal to facilitate justice for victims. The financial assistance offered is recognized as a positive step but is inadequate in meeting the full scope of victims’ needs for justice and security against future violations.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
