Senegal, a country known for its democratic and peaceful environment, is currently facing political unrest and a crackdown on opposition and dissent. The protests erupted on May 31, 2023, after the criminal court sentenced notable opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison, accusing him of corrupting youth and undermining his chances to run in next year’s presidential election. The authorities must ensure an independent and credible investigation into the violence during protests in Dakar, across the country, release political prisoners, and guarantee freedom of assembly.
Table of Contents
Background Information
Since 2021, there has been unrest in Senegal linked to President Macky Sall’s silence on whether he would run for a third term in office and the court case involving Sonko. However, the current unrest witnessed seems to be the most significant in recent times, with the excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests by security forces. The opposition has accused the authorities of using armed civilians alongside the security forces during protests, and the media has also reported similar accounts during previous demonstrations. International media reported the use of live bullets during the protests in Dakar, leading to the deaths of a 15-year-old boy and a 26-year-old male student. Amnesty International, among other organizations, has called for a full investigation into the deaths caused by the protests.
Human Rights Watch Report
In a recent report by Human Rights Watch, the authorities are called upon to ensure an independent and credible investigation into the violence during protests in Dakar and across the country. At least 16 deaths have been reported, including two members of the security forces, and scores of other injuries. The government should unconditionally release all those held for peacefully expressing their political views exercising their right to freedom of assembly and end arbitrary bans on access to the internet and social media. The new developments are indeed worrying for the presidential elections scheduled for next year.
Arbitrary Arrests, Use of Force and Internet Restrictions
Since May 30th, in and around Dakar only, security forces have arrested at least 250 people, including women and children, mostly PASTEF members and supporters, but also some civil society activists, and beat some of them. Those arrested have had no access to lawyers or medical assistance, which is a human rights violation. The Senegalese media has also been suppressed, with arrests of journalists, social media restrictions, and interruptions of the internet by the government. These actions prevent journalists, human rights activists, and other people from communicating, getting information, or reporting on unfolding events. The government must respect and protect the rights of every citizen to freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association.
The Way Forward
The current situation in Senegal is a cause for concern for the country’s democracy and the well-being of its people. The ruling government is called upon to observe human rights laws, stop the use of excessive force, end all arbitrary arrests, and implement the Senegalese constitution to provide the right to freedom of expression, association, and the right to peaceful assembly. Also, the African Union and ECOWAS must use their influence to persuade the Senegalese authorities to end their repression of protests and criticism. In conclusion, the Senegalese government needs to engage all stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and address the grievances of the citizens to achieve lasting peace and progress in the country.
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