The Collectif des familles des martyrs, Initiative Zéro Impunité (IZI), and Collectif des victimes de Macky Sall have reaffirmed their demand for truth and justice in cases related to violence in Senegal between 2021 and 2024. In a statement, they denounced alleged lobbying by President Bassirou Diomaye FAYE in support of former President Macky Sall's candidacy for UN Secretary-General. The groups cited meetings in New York with international leaders, including French President Emmanuel MACRON.
The organizations emphasized that Senegal's international policy must align with its commitments to human rights, justice, and combating impunity. They requested that support for Sall's candidacy not hinder victims' and their families' expectations of truth, justice, and reparations. The groups acknowledged recent progress in procedures initiated following complaints from victims and their families, including judicial investigations and initial indictments.
These developments were considered an important step in seeking truth, but the groups stressed that they do not mark the end of the judicial process. The collective called for investigations to establish facts and potential responsibilities for violence committed between 2021 and 2024, respecting the presumption of innocence and defense rights. They sought examination of individual responsibilities of anyone who ordered, facilitated, or covered up reprehensible acts.
The three organizations demanded a comprehensive investigation into the violence, establishment of responsibilities, effective access to justice for victims and their families, and reparations for suffered damages. According to Babacar NGOM, the groups are pushing for accountability and justice for victims of violence during Sall's presidency.
Macky Sall's potential UN bid has sparked controversy in Senegal, with some questioning his suitability for the role given the country's recent violent past. The former president's actions and policies during his time in office have been scrutinized by human rights groups and Senegalese citizens.
President Diomaye FAYE's administration has faced pressure to address the country's human rights record and ensure accountability for past violence. The government's stance on Macky Sall's UN candidacy will be closely watched by domestic and international observers.
The Collectif des familles des martyrs, IZI, and Collectif des victimes de Macky Sall will continue to push for justice and truth, ensuring that victims' voices are heard and their demands addressed. The outcome of these efforts will have significant implications for Senegal's human rights landscape and its international reputation.
Key points
- The groups demand a comprehensive investigation into the violence and establishment of individual responsibilities.
- Macky Sall's UN bid has sparked controversy in Senegal due to the country's recent violent past.
- The Senegalese government faces pressure to address its human rights record and ensure accountability for past violence.
