In its annual report presented to the press on Tuesday, April 21, Amnesty International warned of the worrying human rights situation in West and Central Africa in 2025. The organization first points to the persistence of conflicts in the Sahel, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Nigeria, marked by attacks against civilians and near-total impunity, highlighting both notable progress and deep concerns.

During his speech, the executive director of the Amnesty International Senegal section, Seydi Gassama, painted a contrasting picture of the human rights situation in Senegal in 2025.

Among the positive developments, the head of Amnesty Senegal highlighted an improvement in respect for the right to protest. "Citizen and political gatherings were able to take place, reflecting an apparent willingness on the part of the authorities to guarantee this fundamental freedom," he stated.

According to him, this progress is essential in a context where, in the past, the restriction of this right had led to deadly violence during demonstrations.

However, he deplored the erosion of freedom of expression. "The government has fostered tensions with the media, notably by attempting to impose certain reforms without consensus," he noted, before adding: "Several media outlets have been suspended after giving a platform to controversial figures." He deemed this situation "unacceptable," emphasizing that these statements did not constitute calls to violence, but rather were part of the public debate.

He did, however, commend the role of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, which has sometimes curbed these initiatives, demonstrating a certain institutional independence.

The year 2025 was also marked by numerous arrests related to public statements. Journalists, activists, and citizens were prosecuted, sometimes at the instigation of private individuals.

Seydi Gassama believes these practices undermine the quality of democratic debate. He advocated for the abolition of prison sentences for press offenses, replacing them with civil penalties such as fines.

Environment and public health: persistent risks

The activist also raised another concern, namely the right to a healthy environment, citing as an example the case of landfills located near homes and schools, exposing populations to serious health risks.

According to him, despite studies demonstrating the dangerousness of the site, the authorities are slow to act in the face of these risks which can cause an increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly among children.

Alarming prison overcrowding

Seydi Gassama also raised concerns about prison overcrowding in Senegal, a worrying situation with approximately 15,000 inmates for a capacity far below capacity. "The conditions of detention are contrary to human rights," he lamented, calling on the State to take urgent measures to alleviate overcrowding in prisons and guarantee dignified living conditions.

Gassama also stressed the need to fight impunity and guarantee justice for victims.

“For over five years, following the deadly events that occurred during the 2021 protests, the victims’ families are still waiting for justice,” he emphasized. Denouncing a “denial of justice,” Seydi Gassama called on the institutions to shed full light on these deaths, estimated to number in the dozens, including minors.

Regarding irregular migration, he indicated that hundreds of young Senegalese have lost their lives attempting to reach Europe by sea. He believes the state must strengthen the fight against smuggling networks and also offer economic alternatives for young people to help them avoid this scourge.

In his report, Seydi Gassama also took a critical look at the situation of children, particularly those living on the streets. "Several deaths linked to precarious living conditions were reported in 2025," he noted, urging the authorities to act quickly to protect the most vulnerable, despite ongoing legislative efforts.

The executive director of Amnesty Senegal has finally denounced the discrimination contained in the Senegalese Family Code, particularly regarding "paternal authority" and inequalities in the legal age of marriage. These are concepts which, he says, remain "problematic".

He calls for a profound reform in order to align national legislation with Senegal's international commitments regarding the rights of women and children.

To conclude his speech, Seydi Gassama called for urgent structural reforms to consolidate democratic gains and fully guarantee human rights.