Amnesty International today, Wednesday, April 24, released its annual report on the situation of human rights in the world. As expected, the document highlights the persistent challenges faced by many countries, including Senegal. Since 2021, Senegal has been the subject of recurring criticism in Amnesty International reports, due to the problematic practices of the previous regime.
In addition to the usual problems such as child begging, the plight of street children, and attacks on fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression and demonstration, human rights defenders will highlight the many restrictions observed ahead of the presidential elections in March 2024, as indicated by SudQuotidien.
The report highlights the significant number of deaths recorded without the outgoing authorities showing any real desire to investigate their causes. Despite commitments by President Macky Sall’s government to carry out investigations to establish responsibilities, little progress was made until his departure from power. The hope of justice for the victims of these deaths, often caused by the use of live ammunition, was destroyed by the adoption of an amnesty law by the National Assembly on March 4, 2024. This law erases the pre-electoral and socio-political crises as well as the resulting crimes since February 2021, in the name of national reconciliation.
The mass arrests, justified by disturbances to public order, threats to national security or even terrorism, all resulted in releases without trial, as part of the desire to pacify the public space.
The use of private militias has also been denounced by human rights associations. It is certain that Amnesty International will condemn this practice which has become widespread and against which the Senegalese section of the organization has always spoken out. Political violence has also led to restrictions on internet use. On several occasions, criticism has been made of this government directive which limited the communication of the Senegalese. Amnesty International also deplored the cutting of the television signal, as was the case with the Walfadjri Group.
The problem of prison overcrowding remains a major concern for Amnesty International, which regularly calls for alternatives to detention. After the publication of this report, it will now be up to the regime of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to guarantee respect for the human rights and freedoms of citizens.