The International Organization for Migrant Protection, Horizon Sans Frontières (HSF), has called on the Senegalese government to establish a national office to provide assistance to Senegalese citizens imprisoned abroad. This appeal comes in the wake of the 22-year and 6-month prison sentence handed to Modou NGOM in the United States. HSF is urging the Ministry in charge of Senegalese living abroad to enhance consular protection and provide organized support to citizens facing judicial procedures outside the country's borders.
In a statement, HSF expressed its compassion to the American family who lost three members in the incident related to Modou NGOM's case. While acknowledging the judicial decision, the organization emphasized the importance of solidarity with a compatriot and not being indifferent to the suffering of others. HSF highlighted the Senegalese state's duty to provide assistance so that a citizen is not left to fend for himself and that his family does not have to face the human, legal, and financial consequences of this ordeal alone.
HSF, through its president, Boubacar SEYE, urged the Senegalese authorities, specifically the ministry in charge of Senegalese abroad, to intensify consular support for Modou NGOM. The organization also requested that they facilitate, in collaboration with his lawyers, the study of potential appeal options available under American legislation. This support is crucial in ensuring that NGOM receives the necessary assistance during this challenging time.
Beyond Modou NGOM's specific situation, HSF is calling for the immediate creation of a national committee to help Senegalese citizens arrested abroad. The organization recommends that this committee have a clearly identified referent within the competent ministry, responsible for coordinating the follow-up of cases with diplomatic and consular representations. This committee would provide structured support to Senegalese citizens imprisoned abroad.
According to HSF, the objective of this committee is not to systematically criticize foreign court judgments or to exempt Senegalese citizens from their responsibilities under the law. Rather, it aims to ensure that Senegalese citizenship does not become a factor of isolation in the face of complex procedures. The organization believes that this support is essential to guarantee that citizens receive the necessary assistance.
Boubacar SEYE described this affair as an institutional shock and called on the authorities, legal professionals, and diaspora associations to join forces. He emphasized that consular protection should not be a favor granted on a case-by-case basis but a structured mission in the service of Senegalese citizens. This structured approach would help prevent similar situations in the future.
The establishment of a national support cell for Senegalese citizens imprisoned abroad would provide a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the challenges faced by these citizens. Rémi SOUSSO, in reporting on this development, highlighted the significance of this initiative in ensuring that Senegalese citizens receive the necessary support and protection while abroad.
Key points
- Horizon Sans Frontières urges Senegalese government to establish support cell for citizens imprisoned abroad
- Organization emphasizes importance of solidarity with compatriots facing judicial procedures abroad
- Senegalese state has a duty to provide assistance to citizens imprisoned abroad
