Senegal MPs debate contentious amnesty bill amid crisis
Senegalese MPs on Wednesday began debating an amnesty bill covering acts linked to deadly protests in recent years, a controversial text aimed at calming the crisis sparked by the presidential election delay.
The opposition has criticised the bill as shielding the perpetrators of serious crimes, including homicides, during demonstrations.
This condemnation, along with the potential for political manoeuvres, means the passage of the bill is uncertain.
A vote is expected later today.
The amnesty is part of President Macky Sall's response to the turmoil sparked by his last-minute postponement of the presidential election, originally scheduled for February 25.
The poll delay triggered deadly protests in the traditionally stable West African country, which is still awaiting a new election date.
The bill would grant an amnesty for "all acts likely to be classified as criminal or correctional offences committed between February 1, 2021 and February 25, 2024, both in Senegal and abroad, relating to demonstrations or having political motivations".
Senegal witnessed several episodes of deadly unrest between 2021 and 2023, triggered in particular by a bitter stand-off between opposition figure Ousmane Sonko and the state.
Dozens were killed, hundreds injured, and hundreds more arrested in riots which saw clashes with security forces and major damage to property.
Deadly unrest flared again in February after the delay to the election.
The presidency has said the amnesty is intended to "calm the political and social climate".
Dozens of opponents could be freed as soon as the law is published, but many political and social actors oppose to the bill.
They fear it will be used to exonerate government and security officials for the deaths of protesters.
