This is a big project for the government. Indeed, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye instructed his Prime Minister to set up a compensation commission for victims of the events of January 2021 to February 2024. In the eyes of the President of the Republic, compensation for victims is the cement of the social cohesion. “The President of the Republic said he was particularly concerned about strengthening national reconciliation. This involves, in his opinion, justice in the adequate treatment of the cases of the victims of the events of January 2021 to February 2024, in particular the bereaved families and the injured,” we read in the press release from the Council of Ministers of yesterday. To this end, underlines the document, the Head of State asked the Prime Minister to set up a compensation commission for victims of the events from January 2021 to February 2024. Said commission, he indicates, must endeavor, as soon as possible, to identify the victims and carry out an assessment of the damage suffered, as well as the effective care of the injured during treatment. In addition, the Prime Minister will have to take stock, with the ministers concerned, of the progress of this priority file every fifteen (15) days in the Council of Ministers.

It should be noted that an amnesty law was passed for this purpose. With this law in force, what will the government use to identify the victims? This is the question the Prime Minister will have to answer. While waiting for his response, we can safely say that the victims will not be identified by the police. Who cannot carry out investigations into facts that have already been amnestied. What will the government do in such a case? Will the National Assembly, which recently adopted it with a comfortable majority, agree to repeal this law if the government requests it? While waiting for the answer, can we talk about victims without executioners? If it is proven that there are victims and that they will be compensated, what will be the fate of those responsible for this situation? And who will place the responsibilities?
By Malick GAYE – mgaye@lequotidien.sn