Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Juan Branco, the French-Spanish lawyer popular in Senegal for his association with current Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, recently participated in a conference organized by former political detainees of the Macky Sall regime. The event, held in collaboration with students from the Cheikh Anta Diop Faculty of Law and Political Sciences (FSJP), took place on Thursday at the International Foreign Trade Center of Senegal (CICES).
During his address, Branco shed light on the intricate complaints he filed against the Macky Sall regime before the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, he expressed skepticism about the potential effectiveness of these complaints, hinting that they might not produce the anticipated results.
“Senegal has the choice to follow the path that the lawyers have opened or look for other avenues,” Branco stated. He suggested that Senegal could reinforce its stance by urging the ICC to take up the issue. However, he questioned whether Senegalese citizens are willing to entrust their destiny to an international institution influenced by external forces.
Proposing an alternative, Branco advocated for the creation of a special court or mechanisms within Senegal to address justice and hold those responsible accountable. “It is preferable for your country to address these questions of justice and those who have sullied its institutions and its democracy,” he emphasized.
Branco acknowledged the courage required for such a move, as it would involve adopting legal and institutional measures that differ from conventional political practices. He underscored that the decision lies with Senegal in choosing how to tackle the fundamental issue of impunity.
Reflecting on the country’s recent history, Branco mentioned the 60 martyrs and thousands of injured and imprisoned individuals. He highlighted the need for significant reparations, as announced by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, but deemed them insufficient. Echoing Prime Minister Sonko’s sentiment, Branco called for a comprehensive purge to prevent the recurrence of past events.
“It is unacceptable that individuals who have committed acts against Senegalese citizens remain in positions of privilege and power,” he asserted. He stressed the importance of a genuine commitment to structural changes to avoid future violence, advocating for legal provisions that break away from routine political practices.
Branco also recounted the case of Ajie Sarr, which led Ousmane Sonko to seek recourse at the ECOWAS Court of Justice. He criticized the court’s handling of the case, recalling an Ivorian judge’s remarks that appeared to denigrate Sonko despite his established innocence.
In conclusion, Branco urged Senegalese citizens to recognize the “indignity” with which international institutions have treated their current leaders. “It is against this monster (i.e., Macky Sall) that you are fighting, and Ousmane Sonko and his government have to fight,” he declared, calling for national mechanisms to ensure justice and accountability in Senegal.
