Senegal: a collective criticizes the methods of law enforcement after the death of student Abdoulaye Ba
In Senegal, civil society has formed a collective to critique police brutality following the death of a 21-year-old student, Abdoulaye Ba, during a law enforcement operation.
In Senegal, a group known as the 'collective' has emerged in response to the recent death of Abdoulaye Ba, a 21-year-old student, who was killed on the Dakar campus during a police intervention on February 9. This collective, comprised of human rights activists and student representatives, convened at the headquarters of Amnesty International Senegal on February 20 to demand accountability and reforms regarding the conduct of law enforcement agencies. They are determined to push for justice in this case and to address the broader issues of police violence in the country.
The incident has ignited criticism of the methods used by the police, particularly in university settings but also across Senegal more broadly. The collective asserts that the investigation into Abdoulaye Ba's death should serve as a critical opportunity to confront the reality of police brutality. They are calling for sweeping changes in how police operations are handled to prevent further tragedies and ensure that citizensβ rights are protected.
On February 18, the Interior Minister announced that sanctions would be imposed, suggesting potential government acknowledgment of the concerns raised by the collective. However, until meaningful reforms are implemented and justice is served, the collective remains vigilant in advocating for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices throughout Senegal.