The Justice Minister of Senegal, Aissata Tall Sall, has declared the release of nearly 400 demonstrators who were detained during political protests held in March 2021 and June 2023.
While announcing the decision, Minister Sall did not specify whether prominent opposition figures such as Ousmane Sonko and presidential contender Bachirou Diomaye Faye would be among those set free.
She emphasised that each case underwent meticulous examination based on the evidence presented in individual files. “The only thing I can say is that this is not a mass release; these are cases that are studied on a case-by-case basis according to the elements in the files,” Minister Sall stated.
The objective behind releasing these political detainees, as stated by the minister, is to alleviate tensions within the nation.
Political unrest in Senegal has frequently led to arrests and fatalities. Most recently, three individuals lost their lives during demonstrations triggered by the postponement of the country’s elections scheduled for February 25.
Minister Sall assured that investigations are ongoing to identify those accountable for the incidents surrounding the electoral upheaval.