Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, Senegal) – Senegalese Minister of Justice Ousmane Diagne has strongly reaffirmed his support for the judiciary amid growing criticism from members of the ruling PASTEF party over the pace of criminal justice proceedings. Despite calls from some lawmakers for a swifter judicial process, particularly concerning officials from the former regime of Macky Sall, Diagne defended the independence and professionalism of the country’s judges.

Addressing the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Minister firmly rejected any attempts to pressure the judiciary, emphasizing that due process must take precedence over political expectations.

“The time of justice requires rigor and not precipitation. We exercise our mission with professionalism and independently,” Diagne declared. He stressed that legal proceedings must be conducted with diligence to ensure fairness, rather than being driven by political urgency.

His remarks come in response to heightened frustration from PASTEF parliamentarians, some of whom have adopted a more aggressive stance regarding cases involving figures from the previous administration. However, Diagne stood his ground, insisting that the judiciary must operate free from external interference.

The Minister also pointed to systemic challenges within the justice sector, including limited human and material resources, as key obstacles to a faster judicial process. Nonetheless, he assured lawmakers that Senegal’s judiciary remains committed to upholding fundamental rights and delivering fair trials.

“Justice has evolved. Today, anyone in question benefits from an equitable trial, and we are successfully ensuring compliance with fundamental rights. There can no longer be any question of any instrumentalization of the judicial system,” he stated.

Diagne further revealed that judicial reforms are underway to improve access to justice and enhance the system’s efficiency. He reiterated that maintaining the independence of the judiciary is a top priority for the government, underscoring that any attempts to influence legal proceedings would not be tolerated.

His firm stance highlights the delicate balance between political pressures and judicial independence in Senegal’s evolving democratic landscape. As scrutiny over judicial processes intensifies, Diagne’s unwavering support for the judiciary sends a clear message that the rule of law must remain above political expediency.