Senegal’s President Sall Proposes General Amnesty Bill Amid Political Demonstrations

DAKAR — President Macky Sall of Senegal has announced plans to introduce a general amnesty bill to the National Assembly, targeting incidents related to political demonstrations from 2021 to 2024. This move.

According to Burkina Information Agency, is aimed at fostering national reconciliation and enhancing national cohesion in the wake of political unrest.

During the inauguration of the national dialogue at Diamniadio, 30 kilometers from Dakar, President Sall declared his intention to present the amnesty bill in the upcoming Council of Ministers meeting. The dialogue’s primary goal is to set a new date for the presidential election, initially slated for February 25. “This will help pacify the political space and further strengthen our national cohesion,” President Sall emphasized, underscoring the importance of creating a peaceful and stable environment for Senegal.

In a recent interview with local media, President Sall expressed his commitment to conducting the presidential election promptly, aiming for a timeframe between June and July, before the onset of the rainy season. He reiterated his decision to step down from the presidency at the end of his current term on April 2, highlighting the urgency of reaching a consensus on the election date to ensure it occurs under optimal conditions.

The national dialogue, attended by government members, religious leaders, union representatives, civil society organizations, and political figures, seeks to address the political crisis triggered by the postponement of the February 25, 2024, presidential election. Notably, the dialogue includes participants from the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), which has leveled accusations against members of the Constitutional Council involved in the presidential candidates’ verification process.

However, sixteen out of the nineteen candidates approved by the Constitutional Council have opted out of the meeting, along with several civil society groups. This absence underscores the challenges facing the dialogue and the broader effort to navigate Senegal through its current political turmoil.

President Sall’s proposal for a general amnesty bill represents a significant step toward reconciling the nation’s divided political landscape, aiming to restore peace and stability as Senegal prepares for its upcoming presidential election.