In a significant move toward national accountability and justice, Senegal’s Minister of Justice, Ousmane Diagne, has officially ordered a judicial investigation into the wave of political violence that rocked the country between 2021 and 2024. The directive, addressed to the Attorney General, signals a bold step by the current administration to confront one of the most painful and polarizing chapters in Senegal’s recent history.
The investigation, which will be spearheaded by the Prosecutor of the Republic in Dakar, Ibrahima Ndoye, is expected to examine the full scope of the violence that left at least 80 people dead and dozens more seriously injured in confrontations involving security forces and clashes between civilians. According to official sources, Ndoye’s mandate includes establishing criminal accountability and deciding whether to bring charges against civilians, security personnel, or political leaders who may have played a role in the unrest.
A Demand for Justice
Justice Minister Ousmane Diagne’s request follows growing calls from civil society, human rights groups, and victims’ families demanding an impartial inquiry into the violence that marred several parts of the country over the three-year period. Many of the incidents occurred during waves of political protest sparked by arrests, electoral disputes, and opposition-led demonstrations under former President Macky Sall’s administration.
“There can be no lasting peace without justice,” one senior legal analyst told Africa Live News on condition of anonymity. “Senegal has reached a point where accountability is essential for national healing.”
Beyond the fatalities and injuries, multiple citizens have come forward alleging torture and other inhumane treatment during the height of the unrest. These claims, many of which were initially ignored or suppressed, are now likely to be scrutinized under the new investigation.
The Shadow of Amnesty
However, the road to justice remains complicated. In the waning days of his presidency, former President Macky Sall oversaw the controversial passage of an amnesty law intended to shield individuals implicated in political violence from prosecution. The law was criticized by numerous advocacy groups as a deliberate move to obstruct accountability and protect loyalists within the previous regime.
While the law was broadly worded, legal experts argue that the most egregious violations—including torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings—are not legally covered by the amnesty. International human rights conventions, to which Senegal is a signatory, prohibit the amnestying of such crimes.
“This new investigation presents a crucial test for the rule of law in Senegal,” said Aminata Ba, a constitutional law lecturer at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop. “If successful, it would affirm the principle that no one is above the law—not even in the context of political crisis.”
Prosecutor Ndoye’s Mandate
As the lead investigator, Ibrahima Ndoye is expected to summon a wide range of individuals and institutions, starting with victims of torture and the families of those killed. His team will also likely request access to security force records, protest footage, and other evidence that could help reconstruct the events that led to the loss of lives and widespread injuries.
Observers say the early stages of the investigation will be critical in setting the tone for transparency and public confidence. Many in the country still remember past instances where inquiries were launched but never reached a conclusive outcome.
“This time must be different,” said Fatou Ndiaye, a mother who lost her son during a protest in March 2023. “We are not asking for vengeance—we are asking for truth.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
The political unrest from 2021 to 2024 marked one of the most turbulent periods in Senegal’s post-independence history. Demonstrations, many of them led by opposition figures, were often met with heavy-handed responses from security forces. Several cities, including Dakar, Ziguinchor, and Thiès, experienced prolonged disturbances that disrupted daily life, strained social cohesion, and shook the foundations of Senegal’s long-standing reputation for democratic stability.
While some have warned that reopening old wounds could lead to renewed tensions, others believe the opposite—that only by facing the truth can the country move forward.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected earlier in 2025 on a platform of transparency and institutional reform, has publicly committed to restoring public trust in Senegal’s justice system. Although he has not directly commented on the new investigation, many see the Justice Ministry’s actions as a fulfillment of the President’s campaign promise to “rebuild a republic of accountability.”
What Comes Next?
With the investigation now formally launched, the first wave of summonses is expected in the coming weeks. Victims, witnesses, medical personnel, journalists, and potentially political actors from both the ruling and opposition parties are likely to be questioned.
The process is also expected to attract international attention, especially from human rights organizations and development partners who have long urged Senegal to uphold its democratic principles.
“This is a moment for courage,” said a representative of Amnesty International West Africa. “By seeking justice for the dead, the tortured, and the silenced, Senegal has an opportunity to reaffirm its moral leadership in the region.”
Conclusion
As Senegal embarks on this complex and emotionally charged journey, the hopes of many rest on the justice system’s ability to remain independent, transparent, and committed to truth. For the victims and their families, the investigation is more than a legal process—it is a long-awaited path to closure.
Africa, and indeed the world, will be watching.
