Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has renewed his support for his predecessor Macky Sall's bid for the UN Secretary-General position at the UN in New York. This move has sparked controversy among associations representing victims of the 2021-2024 political violence in Senegal. The victims' families have expressed concerns that Macky Sall's candidacy may undermine efforts to bring perpetrators to justice and provide reparations to those affected.
Boubacar Seye, president of the Collective of Families of Victims of Macky Sall, has spoken out against the government's support for Macky Sall's candidacy. In an interview with Africa Radio, Seye stated that the collective's opposition to the bid is based on principle. He emphasized that while Macky Sall has the right to present his candidacy, the government's support for his bid contradicts the need for accountability and justice for the victims of the 2021-2024 violence.
Seye highlighted the contradiction between the Senegalese government's international stance on promoting peace, justice, and human rights, and its handling of the domestic situation. He questioned how the government can promote these values internationally while failing to address the concerns of victims and their families. Seye stressed that the defense of Africa cannot be separated from the defense of African values of justice, dignity, and respect for human life.
The Collective of Families of Victims of Macky Sall has expressed concerns that the government's support for Macky Sall's candidacy may undermine efforts to establish the truth and hold perpetrators accountable for the violence. Seye noted that the context of 2024 had raised hopes among victims and their families that the government would take a new approach to addressing their concerns. However, the government's support for Macky Sall's candidacy has created concerns about a potential cover-up.
Seye also criticized President Diomaye Faye for what he sees as a change of position on the issue. He argued that while it is understandable for a president to engage in dialogue with predecessors, this should not come at the expense of ignoring the concerns of victims and their families. Seye emphasized that national reconciliation cannot be built on the erasure of the memories of victims.
The Collective of Families of Victims of Macky Sall has welcomed recent indictments for crimes against humanity and complicity in the violence. Seye described this development as a first step towards accountability and a message of hope for victims and their families. However, he stressed that indictments are not convictions and that the process must continue to establish responsibilities and provide reparations to those affected.
Seye's message to President Diomaye Faye is clear: the government must prioritize justice and truth for the victims of the 2021-2024 violence. He urged the government to provide concrete guarantees that the dossiers will be processed, facts established, and responsibilities determined by competent institutions. Ultimately, Seye's demand is simple: "We want the Republic to remember its dead."
Key points
- The Senegalese government's support for Macky Sall's UN bid has sparked controversy among victim families.
- Boubacar Seye, president of the Collective of Families of Victims of Macky Sall, has spoken out against the government's support for the bid.
- The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing international diplomacy with domestic accountability and justice.
