“Amnesty International Reports: Senegal’s Ngor Faces Excessive Use of Force”

Amnesty International recently denounced the excessive use of force by the gendarmerie in the Ngor neighborhood of Dakar, Senegal on 9 May, and in previous incidents. This was in response to the death of a teenage girl and clashes between police and residents who have been protesting about the use of a plot of land since mid-April. The gendarmes allegedly used excessive force against protesters, firing bullets and using tear gas in enclosed spaces, beating and using individuals as human shields during arrests.

Under international law, the use of force in policing must be strictly necessary and proportional, and the use of firearms is prohibited except in cases of imminent danger of death or serious injury. The recent violence by the gendarmerie raises concerns about the blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law, as well as the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies.

The origin of the protests centers around a dispute over the use of a 6,300m2 plot of land in the commune of Ngor. While the inhabitants want to build a high school, the authorities plan to build a barracks for the gendarmerie there. This conflict has resulted in numerous demonstrations, some of which have turned violent, resulting in the deaths of 14 people, 12 of whom were killed by gunfire from security forces during demonstrations in March 2021.

Amnesty International is calling on the authorities to investigate the use of lethal weapons by the police in Ngor on 9 May and in previous incidents. In particular, Amnesty International is urging the authorities to bring to justice those responsible for the deaths of the protesters. The government must ensure that people’s right to assembly and freedom of expression is respected, and that the police do not use excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

The situation in Ngor highlights deeper issues around human rights and the rule of law in many African countries. Citizens have the right to protest peacefully and express their grievances, but this right is often met with violence and repression from the authorities. Ousmane Diallo, a researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa, stressed the importance of the strict adherence to international law in the use of force in policing. It is crucial that law enforcement agencies follow the rule of law and uphold human rights, and that governments ensure that law enforcement agencies are accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the excessive use of force by the gendarmerie in Ngor is a clear violation of human rights and the rule of law, and the authorities must be held accountable for their actions. The government must ensure that law enforcement agencies follow international law and human rights standards, and that those who violate them are brought to justice. It is only through the upholding of human rights and the rule of law that we can create a just and equitable society for all.

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