Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The Senegalese High Court of Justice, tasked with holding former government officials accountable for serious crimes, is set to be officially established on Saturday at the National Assembly in Dakar. This installation comes after a summons from the Senegalese executive, which has informed the deputies of the session.

The High Court of Justice is a constitutional institution designed to judge senior state officials, including the President, the Prime Minister, and ministers, in cases involving crimes or offenses that rise to the level of high treason during the exercise of their official duties. The court is composed of members from Parliament, and its functioning is contingent upon an indictment by the National Assembly.

However, the court’s use has been rare due to political considerations surrounding its decisions. Critics argue that the institution has proven ineffective and is in need of reform to ensure the accountability of the country’s leaders.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has also announced that a bill will be submitted to the National Assembly to repeal the controversial amnesty law passed by the previous legislature. The law, promulgated in March 2023, granted amnesty to those involved in political demonstrations between 2021 and 2024, events that led to numerous deaths and arrests, particularly among opposition figures.

The amnesty had facilitated the release of political figures, including Ousmane Sonko, who was jailed during this period. The repeal of the law is seen as a move toward truth and justice, according to Sonko, who emphasized that the action is not motivated by a desire for revenge or a political witch hunt. In his general policy statement, Sonko assured the public that the repeal would provide clarity and accountability for all involved, regardless of their political affiliation.

This significant legal and political shift highlights ongoing tensions surrounding accountability and justice in Senegal, with an eye on the upcoming presidential election in March 2024.