The National Assembly of Senegal has adopted a bill providing for a general amnesty for acts of violence linked to politics, occurring between February 2021 and February 2024. The bill would grant amnesty for “all acts likely to qualify as criminal or correctional offenses committed between February 1, 2021, and February 25, 2024, both in Senegal and abroad, relating to demonstrations or having political motivations.”

Senegal has witnessed a series of riots, clashes, ransacking, and looting between 2021 and 2023, triggered in part by the standoff between opposition figure Ousmane Sonko and the government. In February 2024, the country experienced further unrest following the announcement of the postponement of the election, resulting in dozens of deaths, hundreds of injuries, and numerous arrests.

The amnesty aims to “appease the political and social climate,” according to the presidency. As a result, dozens of opponents could regain their freedom once the law is published in the Official Journal.

However, the project has faced opposition from many political and social actors who express indignation that no member of the security forces or government officials would be held accountable under the proposed amnesty.

Critics argue that granting amnesty without accountability could set a dangerous precedent and undermine efforts to promote justice and reconciliation in the country. They call for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of political violence and ensures that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Despite the controversy, the adoption of the amnesty bill represents a significant development in Senegal’s efforts to address the political and social challenges facing the country.

The coming days are likely to see further debate and discussion as Senegal seeks to navigate a path towards peace, stability, and democracy.