Senegal: Summary of Amnesty International concerns since January 1991

AI welcomed the release, announced in May 1991, of some 346 political prisoners held in connection with the Casamance separatist movement and the cancellation of legal proceedings against them. A ceasefire agreement was signed on 31 May 1991 between the government and the armed opposition MFDC. AI remains concerned that the amnesty announced in May 1991 appears to have been interpreted by the Senegalese authorities to grant immunity from prosecution to those responsible for human rights violations. Despite the ceasefire, there has been further unrest in Casamance: more than 50 people, including two soldiers were killed in September 1992. AI is also concerned that the Senegalese authorities have made no moves to ensure that former President Habre of Chad is brought to justice.