Gambiaj.com – Banjul, The Gambia) – The Government of Senegal has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights, democratic governance, and the rule of law during the ongoing 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul.
Delivering Senegal’s national statement on behalf of the government, Mr. Julien Ngane Ndour, Director of Human Rights at the Ministry of Justice, said the Senegalese Constitution places the promotion and protection of human rights at the core of the country’s governance framework.
He described the African Commission as “an essential pillar for the protection of freedoms and human dignity across the continent,” stressing Senegal’s dedication to the African and international human rights instruments.
Mr. Ndour stated that Senegal continues to pursue major legal and institutional reforms aimed at consolidating democracy and strengthening the rule of law.
He highlighted recent governance reforms adopted in September 2025, which include the creation of the National Office for the Fight Against Corruption (OFNAC), a law on asset declaration, a law protecting whistleblowers, and another guaranteeing access to information. He said these new laws demonstrate Senegal’s determination to promote accountability, transparency, and good public governance.
Speaking on the state of public freedoms, Mr. Ndour said the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are effectively guaranteed in Senegal.
He disclosed that during the first half of 2025, authorities received 5,186 requests for public demonstrations, of which only 51—less than one percent—were denied.
According to him, the few prosecutions against political or media figures are based on allegations of financial wrongdoing rather than opinions or political affiliations. “The government reaffirms its respect for the independence of the judiciary and its commitment to transparency,” he added.
Turning to the situation of detainees, Mr. Ndour said Senegal continues to make progress in improving conditions in prisons. He noted that the introduction of electronic monitoring and house arrest has helped reduce prison overcrowding by about eight percent.
The Minister of Justice and the National Observer of Places of Deprivation of Liberty also conduct regular inspection visits, and steps are being taken to further strengthen the independence of the latter institution. In February 2025, Senegal received the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, an act Mr. Ndour said demonstrates the country’s openness and cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.
He also reported that Senegal has restructured its National Human Rights Institution, transforming the Senegalese Human Rights Committee into a fully independent National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH) in 2024.
The appointment of commissioners now follows an open and transparent process, a model of participatory governance that has been extended to other national institutions such as the National Early Warning Centre and OFNAC.
On migration and refugee protection, Mr. Ndour reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations. He noted that under the 2022 law on refugees and stateless persons, the National Commission for the Management of Refugees and Stateless Persons (CNGRA) granted official refugee status to 347 individuals in 2024.
Senegal is also updating its National Migration Policy and has established Reception and Orientation Offices for Migrants to ensure better protection and integration.
In conclusion, Mr. Ndour reiterated Senegal’s strong attachment to the principles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and reaffirmed the government’s determination to build a society rooted in justice, peace, and equality.
“Senegal remains firmly committed to the ideals of the African Charter. Our country will continue to work for an Africa where every citizen enjoys their rights fully, in an environment of peace, justice, and sustainable development,” he declared.
