Senegal’s parliament has enacted changes to an amnesty law related to the protests that occurred between 2021 and 2024, potentially allowing for prosecutions concerning the deaths of numerous demonstrators.
Originally passed in March 2024 under former President Macky Sall, the law granted amnesty for actions taken by both security personnel and protesters during demonstrations that involved confrontations with armed riot police.
These protests were ignited by fears that Sall was attempting to suppress his political opponents and extend his time in office beyond his term, a claim he has denied.
According to Amnesty International, at least 65 individuals lost their lives, primarily due to gunfire.
The situation escalated following the 2023 arrest of Sall’s political adversary, Ousmane Sonko, marking one of the most violent periods in Senegal since its independence from France in 1960.
Following the implementation of the law, both current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Sonko were released from incarceration, with Sonko now serving as prime minister.
The previous administration and security forces have denied any misconduct, although eyewitnesses reported to Reuters that security forces opened fire on the crowds.
Human rights organizations and legal advocates had urged the repeal of the amnesty law, arguing that it left the families of the deceased without any means to seek justice.
The amendment, which was approved on Wednesday with a vote of 126-20, does not abolish the law but instead eliminates amnesty for certain serious offenses, including murder, torture, and enforced disappearance.
“Those responsible for serious crimes will be held accountable,” stated Oumar Sy, a member of Senegal’s ruling Pastef party, during the legislative discussion on Wednesday.
See more: Interpol declines Bosnian ‘red notice’ request for Serb leader Dodik, court says
Conversely, opposition lawmakers contended that the revised law protects protesters whom they accuse of inciting violence and inflicting significant damage.
“This proposed amendment is unjust and unacceptable,” remarked opposition MP Alassane Sall.
