Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announces plan to repeal amnesty law: Video
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Friday that his government will submit legislation aimed at repealing an amnesty law granted to former President Macky Sall.
The law passed on March 6, 2024, provided amnesty for Sall and his administration concerning the political violence that erupted in the country in recent years, violence that led to the deaths of dozens of people.
Speaking before lawmakers, Sonko confirmed that the bill to repeal the controversial amnesty would be presented in the coming weeks, with the goal of ensuring that all facts related to the violence are brought to light and responsibilities are assigned, regardless of where they lie.
"In the coming weeks, a bill will be submitted to your august assembly to repeal the amnesty law passed on 6 March 2024 by the previous legislature so that all the facts can be brought to light and responsibilities established, regardless of where they lie," Sonko said, adding that "This is not a witch-hunt, nor is it about revenge, because we have no desire for revenge, far from it. It is simply a question of justice, the pillar without which no social peace can be guaranteed."
The March 2024 amnesty law, which sparked widespread controversy, had been passed by the outgoing government under Sall, granting immunity to those involved in the violent events that occurred during political unrest. The violence, which involved clashes between opposition groups and security forces, escalated into deadly confrontations, leaving dozens of casualties in its wake.
Sonko, who has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for justice and accountability, also indicated that his government plans to allocate funds for victim compensation as part of a broader effort to address the trauma and loss caused by the violence.
