Senegal’s parliament has voted to revise an amnesty law related to the deadly protests between 2021 and 2024, potentially allowing prosecutions for those responsible for the deaths of dozens of demonstrators.
The original law, passed in March 2024 under former President Macky Sall, granted amnesty to both security forces and protesters involved in violent clashes. The protests were sparked by accusations that Sall was attempting to extend his presidency beyond its legal limit, which he denied.
Amnesty International reported that at least 65 people were killed, mostly by gunfire. The unrest, intensified by the 2023 arrest of Sall’s political rival Ousmane Sonko, became one of the most violent periods in Senegal’s post-independence history.
The revised law, passed Wednesday by a vote of 126 to 20, removes amnesty for serious crimes like murder, torture, and forced disappearance. It does not fully repeal the original law but aims to ensure accountability for those responsible for the most severe offenses.
Oumar Sy, a member of the ruling party, emphasized that those guilty of serious crimes would face justice. However, opposition lawmakers argue that the changes are biased, protecting certain protesters from responsibility for inciting violence and property damage.
The amendment comes after significant pressure from rights groups and legal advocates who sought justice for the families of victims.