Following the release of its documentary film and white paper from the project “Senegal: One Power, Two Terms”, AfricTivistes is now presenting a legal review that offers recommendations for rights reforms aimed at ensuring the independence of the judiciary, public security, and the protection of fundamental rights in Senegal, whilst strengthening participatory democracy.

As indicated by its title “Diagnosis of the Senegalese Legal Framework”, the legal review delves deeply into the constitutional provisions and the current laws governing fundamental rights such as: the freedoms of assembly, access to the internet, free candidacy, and independence of the judiciary. 

Indeed, in Senegal, as in several other African countries, populations have often borne the brunt of the consequences arising from the pursuit of a third presidential term. The lack of term limits can lead to serious socio-political instabilities that may engender perpetual tensions and a degradation of the rule of law. In Senegal, the electoral process has been marked by a questioning of a number of fundamental rights.

Thus, the recommendations in this legal review regarding laws related to freedoms are based on a thorough understanding of the existing legal texts and proposals for the revision of texts that do not respect individual and collective rights. They are also rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the local political and social context.

The objective of this production is therefore to provide an overview, but also to formulate concrete recommendations for the necessary reform of the Senegalese legal framework. These recommendations aim to restore a balance between public security and the preservation of citizens’ rights, whilst reinforcing participatory democracy.

In this sense, it will serve to inform the public while stimulating constructive debates by offering recommendations based on an in-depth knowledge of the current legal texts. 

The target audience for this legal review includes, among others, eligible voters, internet users, pro-democracy activists, advocates, pro-democracy influencers, community radio stations, and the communication cells of various political parties.

It is important to note that the project Senegal: One Power, Two Terms initiated by AfricTivistes aims to raise awareness among citizens about the necessity of preserving democratic values and respecting the limitation of presidential terms to two in Senegal. It regards the issue of term limitation and the preservation of democratic achievements as a national and regional cause that engages all proactive forces and actors committed to the democratic cause.

The project includes:

• a documentary film of the same name that explores the trajectory of Senegalese democracy, highlighting the alternation periods of 2000 and 2012;
• a white paper that examines the stakes of this crucial theme while formulating recommendations to sustainably embed this rule in the political culture of Senegal.

The upcoming activity is a communication campaign on democratic values and a citizen forum on the respect for term limits.

To download the legal review “Diagnosis of the Senegalese Legal Framework”, please click on this link.