Senegal - July 2025

On 29 July, Senegal’s Justice Minister requested the country’s Public Prosecutor open an investigation into political violence between 2021 and 2024. During this period, at least 65 people are thought to have been killed and at least a thousand more injured in protests supporting then-opposition leader (now prime minister), Ousmane Sonko. While the previous administration passed a law purporting to grant a general amnesty for acts committed during these protests, the Constitutional Council ruled in April that the most serious violence, such as murder and torture, were not covered by the amnesty. The first summonses are expected in August, and the investigations are due to determine accountability for these types of violence and whether charges can be pursued against the perpetrators. Commentators warned, however, that the process may face significant legal and political challenges, including the loss or suppression of evidence.

Sources: Le Monde, Amnesty International, International IDEA, Deutsche Welle, Africa News