| SENEGAL Republic of Senegal Republique du Senegal Joined United Nations: 28 September 1960 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 01/18/11 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Dakar
12,323,252 (July 2010 est.)
Soulayemane Ndene Ndiaye
Prime Minister since 1 May 2009
Prime Minister since 1 May 2009
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a
second term) under new constitution; election last held on 25
February 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
second term) under new constitution; election last held on 25
February 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Prime Minister appointed by the President; election last held on
25 February 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
25 February 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous beliefs 1%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic with 11 regions (regions, singular - region); Legal system is based on French civil law system; judicial review of legislative
acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State audits the government's accounting office; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last held on
25 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012); Prime Minister appointed by the President
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (150 seats; 90 members elected by
direct popular vote with the remaining members elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms) and
the Senate reinstituted in 2007 (100 seats; 35 indirectly elected with the remaining 65 members to be appointed by the president)
elections: National Assembly - last held on 3 June 2007 (next to be held 2012); note - the National Assembly in December 2005
voted to postpone legislative elections originally scheduled for 2006; legislative elections were first rescheduled to coincide with the
25 February 2007 presidential elections and later rescheduled for 3 June 2007; the June election was boycotted by 12 opposition
parties, including the former ruling Socialist Party, that resulted in a record-low, 35-percent voter turnout; Senate - last held 19
August 2007 (next to be held - NA)
Judicial: Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final Appeals or Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals
acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State audits the government's accounting office; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with
reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last held on
25 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012); Prime Minister appointed by the President
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (150 seats; 90 members elected by
direct popular vote with the remaining members elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms) and
the Senate reinstituted in 2007 (100 seats; 35 indirectly elected with the remaining 65 members to be appointed by the president)
elections: National Assembly - last held on 3 June 2007 (next to be held 2012); note - the National Assembly in December 2005
voted to postpone legislative elections originally scheduled for 2006; legislative elections were first rescheduled to coincide with the
25 February 2007 presidential elections and later rescheduled for 3 June 2007; the June election was boycotted by 12 opposition
parties, including the former ruling Socialist Party, that resulted in a record-low, 35-percent voter turnout; Senate - last held 19
August 2007 (next to be held - NA)
Judicial: Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final Appeals or Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals
| LANGUAGES |
French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Archaeological findings throughout the area indicate that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times. Islam established itself in the
Senegal River valley in the 11th century; 95% of Senegalese today are Muslims. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came
under the influence of the Mandingo empires to the east; the Jolof Empire of Senegal also was founded during this time. In the 16th
century, the Jolof Empire split into four competing kingdoms: the Jolof, Waalo, Cayor and Baol kingdoms. Also the Kingdom of
Futa Jallon. Various European powers - Portugal, the Netherlands, and England - competed for trade in the area from the 15th
century onward, until in 1677, France ended up in possession of what had become an important slave trade departure point - the
infamous island of Gorée next to modern Dakar. It was only in the 1850s that the French, under the governor, Louis Faidherbe,
began to expand their foothold onto the Senegalese mainland, at the expense of the native kingdoms. In January 1959, Senegal and
the French Sudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on June 20, 1960, as a result of the
independence and the transfer of power agreement signed with France on April 4, 1960. Due to internal political difficulties, the
Federation broke up on August 20, 1960. Senegal and Soudan (renamed the Republic of Mali) proclaimed independence. Léopold
Senghor, internationally known poet, politician, and statesman, was elected Senegal's first president in August 1960. After the
breakup of the Mali Federation, President Senghor and Prime Minister Mamadou Dia governed together under a parliamentary
system. In December 1962, their political rivalry led to an attempted coup by Prime Minister Dia. The coup was put down without
bloodshed and Dia was arrested and imprisoned. Senegal adopted a new constitution that consolidated the President’s power. In
1980, President Senghor retired from politics, and handed power over to his handpicked successor, Abdou Diouf, in 1981.Senegal
joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia on February 1, 1982. However, the envisaged
integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern
separatist group in the Casamance region has clashed sporadically with government forces since 1982. Senegal has a long history of
participating in international peacekeeping. Abdou Diouf was president between 1981 and 2000. He encouraged broader political
participation, reduced government involvement in the economy, and widened Senegal's diplomatic engagements, particularly with
other developing nations. Domestic politics on occasion spilled over into street violence, border tensions, and a violent separatist
movement in the southern region of the Casamance. Nevertheless, Senegal's commitment to democracy and human rights nas
strengthened over time. Diouf served four terms as President. In the presidential election of 2000, he was defeated in a free and fair
election by opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade. Senegal experienced its second peaceful transition of power, and its first from one
political party to another. On December 30, 2004 President Abdoulaye Wade announced that he would sign a peace treaty with
two separatist factions of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC)in the Casamance region. This will end
West Africa's longest-running civil conflict. As of late 2006, it seemed the peace treaty was holding, as both factions and the
Senegalese military appeared to honor the treaty. With recognized prospects for peace, refugees began returning home from
neighboring Guinea-Bissau. However, at the beginning of 2007, refugees began fleeing again, as the sight of Senegalese troops
rekindled fears of a new outbreak of violence between the separatists and the government.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Senegal
Senegal River valley in the 11th century; 95% of Senegalese today are Muslims. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came
under the influence of the Mandingo empires to the east; the Jolof Empire of Senegal also was founded during this time. In the 16th
century, the Jolof Empire split into four competing kingdoms: the Jolof, Waalo, Cayor and Baol kingdoms. Also the Kingdom of
Futa Jallon. Various European powers - Portugal, the Netherlands, and England - competed for trade in the area from the 15th
century onward, until in 1677, France ended up in possession of what had become an important slave trade departure point - the
infamous island of Gorée next to modern Dakar. It was only in the 1850s that the French, under the governor, Louis Faidherbe,
began to expand their foothold onto the Senegalese mainland, at the expense of the native kingdoms. In January 1959, Senegal and
the French Sudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on June 20, 1960, as a result of the
independence and the transfer of power agreement signed with France on April 4, 1960. Due to internal political difficulties, the
Federation broke up on August 20, 1960. Senegal and Soudan (renamed the Republic of Mali) proclaimed independence. Léopold
Senghor, internationally known poet, politician, and statesman, was elected Senegal's first president in August 1960. After the
breakup of the Mali Federation, President Senghor and Prime Minister Mamadou Dia governed together under a parliamentary
system. In December 1962, their political rivalry led to an attempted coup by Prime Minister Dia. The coup was put down without
bloodshed and Dia was arrested and imprisoned. Senegal adopted a new constitution that consolidated the President’s power. In
1980, President Senghor retired from politics, and handed power over to his handpicked successor, Abdou Diouf, in 1981.Senegal
joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia on February 1, 1982. However, the envisaged
integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern
separatist group in the Casamance region has clashed sporadically with government forces since 1982. Senegal has a long history of
participating in international peacekeeping. Abdou Diouf was president between 1981 and 2000. He encouraged broader political
participation, reduced government involvement in the economy, and widened Senegal's diplomatic engagements, particularly with
other developing nations. Domestic politics on occasion spilled over into street violence, border tensions, and a violent separatist
movement in the southern region of the Casamance. Nevertheless, Senegal's commitment to democracy and human rights nas
strengthened over time. Diouf served four terms as President. In the presidential election of 2000, he was defeated in a free and fair
election by opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade. Senegal experienced its second peaceful transition of power, and its first from one
political party to another. On December 30, 2004 President Abdoulaye Wade announced that he would sign a peace treaty with
two separatist factions of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC)in the Casamance region. This will end
West Africa's longest-running civil conflict. As of late 2006, it seemed the peace treaty was holding, as both factions and the
Senegalese military appeared to honor the treaty. With recognized prospects for peace, refugees began returning home from
neighboring Guinea-Bissau. However, at the beginning of 2007, refugees began fleeing again, as the sight of Senegalese troops
rekindled fears of a new outbreak of violence between the separatists and the government.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Senegal
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Senegal relies heavily on donor assistance. The country's key export industries are phosphate mining, fertilizer production, and
commercial fishing. The country is also working on iron ore and oil exploration projects. In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold
and ambitious economic reform program with the support of the international donor community. Government price controls and
subsidies have been steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy contract by 2.1% in 1993, Senegal made an important
turnaround, thanks to the reform program, with real growth in GDP averaging over 5% annually during 1995-2008. Annual inflation
had been pushed down to the single digits. The country was adversely affected by the global economic downturn in 2009 and GDP
growth fell below 2%. As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal is working toward
greater regional integration with a unified external tariff and a more stable monetary policy. High unemployment, however, continues
to prompt illegal migrants to flee Senegal in search of better job opportunities in Europe. Under the IMF's Highly Indebted Poor
Countries (HIPC) debt relief program, Senegal benefited from eradication of two-thirds of its bilateral, multilateral, and
private-sector debt. In 2007, Senegal and the IMF agreed to a new, non-disbursing, Policy Support Initiative program which was
completed in 2010. Senegal received its first disbursement from the $540 million Millennium Challenge Account compact it signed in
September 2009 for infrastructure and agriculture development. In 2010, the Senegalese people protested against frequent power
cuts. The government pledged to expand capacity by 2012 and to promote renewable energy but until Senegal has more capacity,
more protests are likely and economic activity will be hindered. During the year, bakers protested government price controls on
bread. Foreign investment in Senegal is constrained by Senegal's business environment, which has slipped in recent years, and by
perceptions of corruption.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Senegal)
commercial fishing. The country is also working on iron ore and oil exploration projects. In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold
and ambitious economic reform program with the support of the international donor community. Government price controls and
subsidies have been steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy contract by 2.1% in 1993, Senegal made an important
turnaround, thanks to the reform program, with real growth in GDP averaging over 5% annually during 1995-2008. Annual inflation
had been pushed down to the single digits. The country was adversely affected by the global economic downturn in 2009 and GDP
growth fell below 2%. As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal is working toward
greater regional integration with a unified external tariff and a more stable monetary policy. High unemployment, however, continues
to prompt illegal migrants to flee Senegal in search of better job opportunities in Europe. Under the IMF's Highly Indebted Poor
Countries (HIPC) debt relief program, Senegal benefited from eradication of two-thirds of its bilateral, multilateral, and
private-sector debt. In 2007, Senegal and the IMF agreed to a new, non-disbursing, Policy Support Initiative program which was
completed in 2010. Senegal received its first disbursement from the $540 million Millennium Challenge Account compact it signed in
September 2009 for infrastructure and agriculture development. In 2010, the Senegalese people protested against frequent power
cuts. The government pledged to expand capacity by 2012 and to promote renewable energy but until Senegal has more capacity,
more protests are likely and economic activity will be hindered. During the year, bakers protested government price controls on
bread. Foreign investment in Senegal is constrained by Senegal's business environment, which has slipped in recent years, and by
perceptions of corruption.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Senegal)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Senegal’s principal political party was for 40 years the Socialist Party (PS). Its domination of political life came to an end in March
2000, when Abdoulaye Wade, the leader of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) and leader of the opposition for more than 25
years, won the presidency. Under the terms of the 2001 constitution, future presidents will serve for 5 years and be limited to two
terms. Wade was the last President to be elected to a 7-year term.
President Wade has advanced a liberal agenda for Senegal, including privatizations and other market-opening measures. He has a
strong interest in raising Senegal’s regional and international profile. The country, nevertheless, has limited means with which to
implement ambitious ideas. The liberalization of the economy is proceeding, but at a slow pace. Senegal continues to play a
significant role in regional and international organizations. President Wade has made excellent relations with the United States a high
priority.
There are presently some 65 political parties, most of which are marginal and little more than platforms for their leaders. The
principal political parties, however, constitute a true multiparty, democratic political culture, and they have contributed to one of the
most successful democratic transitions in Africa, even among all developing countries. A flourishing independent media, largely free
from official or informal control, also contributes to the democratic politics of Senegal.
The image of Wade as a constitutional democrat has however been tarnished by events at the end of his mandate. When faced with
internal dissent within his own party his main opponent Idrissa Seck was arrested, accused of treason. Wade currently refuses to go
along with holding presidential elections in 2006, arguing that there are economic reasons for wanting to hold the presidential and
parliamentary elections simultaneously in 2007. Initially Wade's government had the support of a broad section of groups opposed
to the socialist government, but gradually individual parties have disassociated themselves from the government and joined the
opposition efforts led by PS.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Senegal
2000, when Abdoulaye Wade, the leader of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) and leader of the opposition for more than 25
years, won the presidency. Under the terms of the 2001 constitution, future presidents will serve for 5 years and be limited to two
terms. Wade was the last President to be elected to a 7-year term.
President Wade has advanced a liberal agenda for Senegal, including privatizations and other market-opening measures. He has a
strong interest in raising Senegal’s regional and international profile. The country, nevertheless, has limited means with which to
implement ambitious ideas. The liberalization of the economy is proceeding, but at a slow pace. Senegal continues to play a
significant role in regional and international organizations. President Wade has made excellent relations with the United States a high
priority.
There are presently some 65 political parties, most of which are marginal and little more than platforms for their leaders. The
principal political parties, however, constitute a true multiparty, democratic political culture, and they have contributed to one of the
most successful democratic transitions in Africa, even among all developing countries. A flourishing independent media, largely free
from official or informal control, also contributes to the democratic politics of Senegal.
The image of Wade as a constitutional democrat has however been tarnished by events at the end of his mandate. When faced with
internal dissent within his own party his main opponent Idrissa Seck was arrested, accused of treason. Wade currently refuses to go
along with holding presidential elections in 2006, arguing that there are economic reasons for wanting to hold the presidential and
parliamentary elections simultaneously in 2007. Initially Wade's government had the support of a broad section of groups opposed
to the socialist government, but gradually individual parties have disassociated themselves from the government and joined the
opposition efforts led by PS.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Senegal
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau attempt to stem separatist violence, cross border raids, and arms smuggling into their countries from
Senegal's Casamance region, and in 2006, respectively accepted 6,000 and 10,000 Casamance residents fleeing the conflict; 2,500
Guinea-Bissau residents fled into Senegal in 2006 to escape armed confrontations along the border
Senegal's Casamance region, and in 2006, respectively accepted 6,000 and 10,000 Casamance residents fleeing the conflict; 2,500
Guinea-Bissau residents fled into Senegal in 2006 to escape armed confrontations along the border
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
Refugees (country of origin): 19,630 (Mauritania)
IDPs: 22,400 (approximately 65% of the IDP population returned in 2005, but new displacement is occurring due to clashes
between government troops and separatists in Casamance region) (2007)
IDPs: 22,400 (approximately 65% of the IDP population returned in 2005, but new displacement is occurring due to clashes
between government troops and separatists in Casamance region) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and South American cocaine moving to Europe and North
America; illicit cultivator of cannabis
America; illicit cultivator of cannabis
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Senegal
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Senegal, with an estimated population of 12.5 million, is a moderately decentralized republic dominated by a strong executive branch. In
2007 Abdoulaye Wade was reelected president in an election generally viewed as free and fair despite sporadic incidents of violence and
intimidation. In 2007 the ruling Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) won the majority of seats in National Assembly elections that were
boycotted by the leading opposition parties. During the March local elections (municipal, regional, and rural communities), a multiparty
opposition coalition scored significant victories, especially in the country's major cities. International observers characterized the March
elections as generally free and transparent. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected citizens' rights; however, there were problems in the following areas:
Rebels associated with the Movement of Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MFDC) killed civilians and military personnel,
committed robberies, fought with the army, and harassed local populations while fighting each other.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Senegal, with an estimated population of 12.5 million, is a moderately decentralized republic dominated by a strong executive branch. In
2007 Abdoulaye Wade was reelected president in an election generally viewed as free and fair despite sporadic incidents of violence and
intimidation. In 2007 the ruling Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) won the majority of seats in National Assembly elections that were
boycotted by the leading opposition parties. During the March local elections (municipal, regional, and rural communities), a multiparty
opposition coalition scored significant victories, especially in the country's major cities. International observers characterized the March
elections as generally free and transparent. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected citizens' rights; however, there were problems in the following areas:
- inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees and prisoners;
- overcrowded prisons;
- questionable investigative detention and long pretrial detention;
- corruption and impunity; limits on freedoms of speech, press, and assembly;
- domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment of women, and discrimination against women;
- female genital mutilation (FGM);
- child abuse;
- child marriage;
- infanticide;
- trafficking in persons;
- child labor.
Rebels associated with the Movement of Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MFDC) killed civilians and military personnel,
committed robberies, fought with the army, and harassed local populations while fighting each other.
Click here to read more »
10 December 2010
Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
22 November–3 December 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 74 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families
Senegal
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the initial report of the State party and is gratified by the commitment to cooperation the State party has
shown by sending a high-level delegation to engage with the Committee. The Committee regrets that during the dialogue several of the
questions went unanswered, that it did not receive in writing all the replies to its list of issues and that the replies that it did receive did
not arrive in time to be translated into the Committee’s other working languages.
B. Positive aspects
6. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the Convention forms part of the domestic legal order, that it takes precedence over other
laws and that State institutions in Senegal are required to enforce it.
7. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 2005-06 of 10 May 2005 on combating trafficking in persons and related
practices and on protection of victims of trafficking.
C. Principal subjects of concern, suggestions and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation (arts. 73 and 84 of the Convention)
Legislation and application
10. The Committee notes with regret that the State party has not made the declarations provided for in articles 76 and 77 of the
Convention, which recognize the Committee’s competence to receive communications from States parties and individuals.
The Committee encourages the State party to consider making the declarations provided for in articles 76 and 77 of the Convention.
11. The Committee notes that the State party has not yet ratified the relevant conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
on migrant workers, namely the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97), and the Migrant Workers Convention
(Supplementary Provisions), 1975 (No. 143).
The Committee encourages the State party to consider ratifying ILO Conventions No. 97 and No. 143 on migrant workers as soon as
possible.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
22 November–3 December 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 74 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families
Senegal
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the initial report of the State party and is gratified by the commitment to cooperation the State party has
shown by sending a high-level delegation to engage with the Committee. The Committee regrets that during the dialogue several of the
questions went unanswered, that it did not receive in writing all the replies to its list of issues and that the replies that it did receive did
not arrive in time to be translated into the Committee’s other working languages.
B. Positive aspects
6. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the Convention forms part of the domestic legal order, that it takes precedence over other
laws and that State institutions in Senegal are required to enforce it.
7. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 2005-06 of 10 May 2005 on combating trafficking in persons and related
practices and on protection of victims of trafficking.
C. Principal subjects of concern, suggestions and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation (arts. 73 and 84 of the Convention)
Legislation and application
10. The Committee notes with regret that the State party has not made the declarations provided for in articles 76 and 77 of the
Convention, which recognize the Committee’s competence to receive communications from States parties and individuals.
The Committee encourages the State party to consider making the declarations provided for in articles 76 and 77 of the Convention.
11. The Committee notes that the State party has not yet ratified the relevant conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
on migrant workers, namely the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97), and the Migrant Workers Convention
(Supplementary Provisions), 1975 (No. 143).
The Committee encourages the State party to consider ratifying ILO Conventions No. 97 and No. 143 on migrant workers as soon as
possible.
Click here to read more »
Restrictions on Press Freedom Intensifying
Washington
April 29, 2010
Global press freedom declined in 2009, with setbacks registered in almost every region of the world, according to a Freedom House
study released today. The study, Freedom of the Press 2010: A Global Survey of Media Independence, reported that press freedom
declined for the eighth consecutive year, producing a global landscape in which only one in six people live in countries with a Free press.
Among the report’s key findings:
* Significant declines outnumbered gains by a 2-to-1 margin. Notable regional declines were registered in Sub-Saharan Africa and
Latin America, as well as the Middle East.
* Declines in important emerging democracies demonstrate the fragility of press freedom in such environments. Namibia and South
Africa, two of the new democracies, dropped from Free to Partly Free. Worrying declines were also registered in Mexico, the
Philippines, and Senegal.
* The only region to show overall improvement was Asia-Pacific, spurred by notable gains in South Asia that included status changes
in Bangladesh and Bhutan from Not Free to Partly Free and a numerical score jump for the Maldives.
* Governments in China, Russia, Venezuela, and other countries have been systematically encroaching on the comparatively free
environment of the internet and new media. Sophisticated techniques are being used to censor and block access to particular types of
information, to flood the internet with antidemocratic, nationalistic views, and to provide broad surveillance of citizen activity.
* Journalists are increasingly the victims of assault and murder, a trend fueled by impunity for past crimes.
“Freedom of expression is fundamental to all other freedoms. Rule of law, fair elections, minority rights, freedom of association, and
accountable government all depend on an independent press which can fulfill its watchdog function,” said Jennifer Windsor, executive
director of Freedom House. “This is why these findings are so utterly disturbing. When the Iranian Revolutionary Guards torture a
journalist, or Communist authorities in China imprison a blogger, or criminal elements in Russia assassinate yet another investigative
reporter, it sends a clear message that every person fighting for basic rights is vulnerable to a similar fate.”
While a range of restrictive laws and violence against journalists continue to hamper media freedom, additional reasons for the global
decline include the unique pressures placed on media in countries in the midst of political conflict, as well as intensified constraints on
internet freedom. The globalization of censorship by countries such as China and international bodies such as the Organization of the
Islamic Conference poses an additional threat to freedom of expression, as does the increasingly worrisome phenomenon of “libel
tourism” centered on the United Kingdom.
Sub-Saharan Africa:
The average region wide level of press freedom declined significantly during 2009, representing the largest overall drop of any region in
the survey. Africa saw two surprising status changes, with South Africa and Namibia both dropping from Free to Partly Free, leaving no
Free countries in southern Africa for the first time since 1990. Meanwhile, Madagascar shifted into the Not Free category. Declines
were also registered in Senegal, Niger, Guinea, Benin, Botswana, Togo, Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Ethiopia, and The Gambia. Slight
improvements were noted in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Sudan, and Mauritania.
Click here to read more »
Washington
April 29, 2010
Global press freedom declined in 2009, with setbacks registered in almost every region of the world, according to a Freedom House
study released today. The study, Freedom of the Press 2010: A Global Survey of Media Independence, reported that press freedom
declined for the eighth consecutive year, producing a global landscape in which only one in six people live in countries with a Free press.
Among the report’s key findings:
* Significant declines outnumbered gains by a 2-to-1 margin. Notable regional declines were registered in Sub-Saharan Africa and
Latin America, as well as the Middle East.
* Declines in important emerging democracies demonstrate the fragility of press freedom in such environments. Namibia and South
Africa, two of the new democracies, dropped from Free to Partly Free. Worrying declines were also registered in Mexico, the
Philippines, and Senegal.
* The only region to show overall improvement was Asia-Pacific, spurred by notable gains in South Asia that included status changes
in Bangladesh and Bhutan from Not Free to Partly Free and a numerical score jump for the Maldives.
* Governments in China, Russia, Venezuela, and other countries have been systematically encroaching on the comparatively free
environment of the internet and new media. Sophisticated techniques are being used to censor and block access to particular types of
information, to flood the internet with antidemocratic, nationalistic views, and to provide broad surveillance of citizen activity.
* Journalists are increasingly the victims of assault and murder, a trend fueled by impunity for past crimes.
“Freedom of expression is fundamental to all other freedoms. Rule of law, fair elections, minority rights, freedom of association, and
accountable government all depend on an independent press which can fulfill its watchdog function,” said Jennifer Windsor, executive
director of Freedom House. “This is why these findings are so utterly disturbing. When the Iranian Revolutionary Guards torture a
journalist, or Communist authorities in China imprison a blogger, or criminal elements in Russia assassinate yet another investigative
reporter, it sends a clear message that every person fighting for basic rights is vulnerable to a similar fate.”
While a range of restrictive laws and violence against journalists continue to hamper media freedom, additional reasons for the global
decline include the unique pressures placed on media in countries in the midst of political conflict, as well as intensified constraints on
internet freedom. The globalization of censorship by countries such as China and international bodies such as the Organization of the
Islamic Conference poses an additional threat to freedom of expression, as does the increasingly worrisome phenomenon of “libel
tourism” centered on the United Kingdom.
Sub-Saharan Africa:
The average region wide level of press freedom declined significantly during 2009, representing the largest overall drop of any region in
the survey. Africa saw two surprising status changes, with South Africa and Namibia both dropping from Free to Partly Free, leaving no
Free countries in southern Africa for the first time since 1990. Meanwhile, Madagascar shifted into the Not Free category. Declines
were also registered in Senegal, Niger, Guinea, Benin, Botswana, Togo, Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Ethiopia, and The Gambia. Slight
improvements were noted in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Sudan, and Mauritania.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
14 December 2010
SENEGAL: PRESIDENT WADE MUST KEEP UP HIS WORD AND THE JUDICIARY INVESTIGATE HISSÈNE HABRÉ
Amnesty International is dismayed by the statement made by Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade on 11 December 2010 declaring that
he would not permit the former Chadian President Hissène Habré to be tried before national courts in Senegal for war crimes, crimes
against humanity and torture, as the African Union (AU) directed Senegal to do in 2006. President Wade also said that he intended to give
this case back to the AU or send Hissène Habré to another country.
The organization is also very concerned by the fact that President Wade did not rule out sending Hissène Habré back to Chad, where he
was sentenced to death in absentia in August 2008.
Amnesty International believes that the death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and denies the right to life.
Moreover, if Hissène Habré were to be sent back to Chad, he could in any case not expect being tried in accordance with international
law and standards for fair trial.
President Wade’s sudden overturn is in complete contradiction with all the commitments made publicly by the Senegalese authorities to
comply with the African Union's directive to Senegal, made in 2006, to investigate the former Chadian president "on behalf of Africa",
which President Abdoulaye Wade has officially accepted.
This commitment was reiterated before the International Court of Justice in 2009 where Senegal – in the Belgium v. Senegal case -
solemnly stated that the country “will not allow Mr. Habré to leave Senegal while the present case is pending before the Court. Senegal
has not the intention to allow Hissène Habré to leave the territory while the present case is pending before the Court.”
For the last two years, the Senegalese authorities have claimed that the sole reason they had not yet tried Hissène Habrè was financial
obstacles and have conditioned any commitment to begin judicial proceedings against the former Chadian president on payment of
exorbitant sums from donors. This financial obstacle was lifted one month ago, in November 2010, when international donors in Dakar
agreed to contribute 8.5 million euros to finance Hissène Habré's trial.
Senegal has now all the financial and political support from the international community to investigate Hissène Habré and, if there is
sufficient admissible evidence, prosecute him and, if found guilty, the duty to punish him. Therefore, Senegal has no more excuse to
postpone - let alone to rule out – a trial of the former Chadian President.
Senegal continues to be under legal obligations pursuant to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment (Convention against Torture) and is required by the African Union request to investigate Hissène Habré and
calls President Wade to confirm publicly that his country is willing to do so. If Senegal continues to refuse submit the case of Hissène
Habré to its prosecuting authorities it must extradite him to a country willing and able to do so according to international law and
standards for fair trial and without recourse to the death penalty.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC STATEMENT
14 December 2010
SENEGAL: PRESIDENT WADE MUST KEEP UP HIS WORD AND THE JUDICIARY INVESTIGATE HISSÈNE HABRÉ
Amnesty International is dismayed by the statement made by Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade on 11 December 2010 declaring that
he would not permit the former Chadian President Hissène Habré to be tried before national courts in Senegal for war crimes, crimes
against humanity and torture, as the African Union (AU) directed Senegal to do in 2006. President Wade also said that he intended to give
this case back to the AU or send Hissène Habré to another country.
The organization is also very concerned by the fact that President Wade did not rule out sending Hissène Habré back to Chad, where he
was sentenced to death in absentia in August 2008.
Amnesty International believes that the death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and denies the right to life.
Moreover, if Hissène Habré were to be sent back to Chad, he could in any case not expect being tried in accordance with international
law and standards for fair trial.
President Wade’s sudden overturn is in complete contradiction with all the commitments made publicly by the Senegalese authorities to
comply with the African Union's directive to Senegal, made in 2006, to investigate the former Chadian president "on behalf of Africa",
which President Abdoulaye Wade has officially accepted.
This commitment was reiterated before the International Court of Justice in 2009 where Senegal – in the Belgium v. Senegal case -
solemnly stated that the country “will not allow Mr. Habré to leave Senegal while the present case is pending before the Court. Senegal
has not the intention to allow Hissène Habré to leave the territory while the present case is pending before the Court.”
For the last two years, the Senegalese authorities have claimed that the sole reason they had not yet tried Hissène Habrè was financial
obstacles and have conditioned any commitment to begin judicial proceedings against the former Chadian president on payment of
exorbitant sums from donors. This financial obstacle was lifted one month ago, in November 2010, when international donors in Dakar
agreed to contribute 8.5 million euros to finance Hissène Habré's trial.
Senegal has now all the financial and political support from the international community to investigate Hissène Habré and, if there is
sufficient admissible evidence, prosecute him and, if found guilty, the duty to punish him. Therefore, Senegal has no more excuse to
postpone - let alone to rule out – a trial of the former Chadian President.
Senegal continues to be under legal obligations pursuant to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment (Convention against Torture) and is required by the African Union request to investigate Hissène Habré and
calls President Wade to confirm publicly that his country is willing to do so. If Senegal continues to refuse submit the case of Hissène
Habré to its prosecuting authorities it must extradite him to a country willing and able to do so according to international law and
standards for fair trial and without recourse to the death penalty.
Click here to read more »
Senegal: Law Promotes Violence Against Homosexuals
Decriminalize Consensual Sexual Conduct; Punish Attackers
November 30, 2010
(Dakar) - Senegal's law criminalizing consensual sexual conduct among adults is discriminatory and invites abuse of homosexuals by
both the police and the general public, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Human Rights Watch urged repeal of the
law, Article 319.3 of the Senegalese penal code, and called on the government to protect all members of society regardless of their
sexual orientation and gender expression.
The 95-page report, "Fear for Life: Violence against Gay Men and Men Perceived as Gay in Senegal," includes interviews with dozens of
people who have faced threats and violence at the hands of both the police and others in the community. It looks in detail at two key
incidents: the "gay marriage" scandal of February 2008; and the arrest of the "nine homosexuals of Mbao" in December 2008. The report
also examines several other cases that show how police arrests under Article 319.3 fan broader fear and suspicion.
"Senegal's law criminalizing consensual sexual conduct is deeply destructive for many communities, particularly gay men," said Dipika
Nath, researcher in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights program at Human Rights Watch. "People live in constant fear of
losing their jobs, their families, their livelihoods, their freedom, and their very lives because they are seen as different."
Article 319.3 punishes "unnatural" sexual acts with five years in prison and a fine. While the law ostensibly criminalizes conduct, not
character, it is in fact used as a tool for targeting certain "types" of individuals, Human Rights Watch said. The law goes hand in hand
with the government's failure to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people from violence, further marginalizing an
already vulnerable population. One of the interviewees spoke about the impunity with which the police mistreated him:
"Actually, they [the police] didn't catch me having sex but assumed [that] from where I was and how I was dressed. They stripped
me naked and beat me. I was detained for two months. They abused me, called me goorjigeen [and abusive names]. ... They stuck
needles under my nails to get me to admit [I was gay]. ... They tore my head, forehead, and face. I was beaten on my arms, buttocks,
back. The police called me women's names. ... This happened for three days at the police station. I was beaten every day. They also said
they would kill me."
Click here to read more »
Decriminalize Consensual Sexual Conduct; Punish Attackers
November 30, 2010
(Dakar) - Senegal's law criminalizing consensual sexual conduct among adults is discriminatory and invites abuse of homosexuals by
both the police and the general public, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Human Rights Watch urged repeal of the
law, Article 319.3 of the Senegalese penal code, and called on the government to protect all members of society regardless of their
sexual orientation and gender expression.
The 95-page report, "Fear for Life: Violence against Gay Men and Men Perceived as Gay in Senegal," includes interviews with dozens of
people who have faced threats and violence at the hands of both the police and others in the community. It looks in detail at two key
incidents: the "gay marriage" scandal of February 2008; and the arrest of the "nine homosexuals of Mbao" in December 2008. The report
also examines several other cases that show how police arrests under Article 319.3 fan broader fear and suspicion.
"Senegal's law criminalizing consensual sexual conduct is deeply destructive for many communities, particularly gay men," said Dipika
Nath, researcher in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights program at Human Rights Watch. "People live in constant fear of
losing their jobs, their families, their livelihoods, their freedom, and their very lives because they are seen as different."
Article 319.3 punishes "unnatural" sexual acts with five years in prison and a fine. While the law ostensibly criminalizes conduct, not
character, it is in fact used as a tool for targeting certain "types" of individuals, Human Rights Watch said. The law goes hand in hand
with the government's failure to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people from violence, further marginalizing an
already vulnerable population. One of the interviewees spoke about the impunity with which the police mistreated him:
"Actually, they [the police] didn't catch me having sex but assumed [that] from where I was and how I was dressed. They stripped
me naked and beat me. I was detained for two months. They abused me, called me goorjigeen [and abusive names]. ... They stuck
needles under my nails to get me to admit [I was gay]. ... They tore my head, forehead, and face. I was beaten on my arms, buttocks,
back. The police called me women's names. ... This happened for three days at the police station. I was beaten every day. They also said
they would kill me."
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Sixty-Fifth Ordinary Session of the UN General Assembly
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY Abdoulaye WADE- PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL
New York, September 24, 2010
Mr. President,
The theme of this 65th session, devoted to "The role of the United Nations in global governance" is therefore timely.
Can - we even have to be quick to raise the debate.
In my opinion, the question is not whether the organization has contributed to the improvement of global governance but rather how to
make its action more effective and more efficient, unprecedented upheavals in which agitated the world in recent years.
In such a short time, the history of international relations has greatly accelerated.
Many certainties have vanished and ideas shaken; "established order" is disrupted by the emergence of new forces arising from
globalization and economic competition.
In recent years, the drifts were chained as Islamophobic in a logic of escalation and provocation: desecration of graves and of the Holy
Qur'an, hateful, blasphemous cartoons, all these manifestations of Islamophobia give, in reality, the full extent of narrow-mindedness,
ignorance and moral bankruptcy and intellectual authors.
On behalf of the Islamic Ummah, I denounce and strongly condemn this irresponsible and absurd.
And in any event, particularly as regards the Holy Qur'an, the basis of the Muslim faith, God Himself was the protector of His infallible
holy word: "Verily it is We Who have sent down the Koran, and We're Caretaker "(The Koran, Sura 15, Verse 9).
I want everyone to understand that Islam and Muslims are the enemies of anyone.
Thus, I hope, born between peoples and between civilizations and cultures they embody the mutual understanding essential to peaceful
coexistence among peoples, respect for their beliefs and their diversity .
Click here to read more »
Sixty-Fifth Ordinary Session of the UN General Assembly
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY Abdoulaye WADE- PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SENEGAL
New York, September 24, 2010
Mr. President,
The theme of this 65th session, devoted to "The role of the United Nations in global governance" is therefore timely.
Can - we even have to be quick to raise the debate.
In my opinion, the question is not whether the organization has contributed to the improvement of global governance but rather how to
make its action more effective and more efficient, unprecedented upheavals in which agitated the world in recent years.
In such a short time, the history of international relations has greatly accelerated.
Many certainties have vanished and ideas shaken; "established order" is disrupted by the emergence of new forces arising from
globalization and economic competition.
In recent years, the drifts were chained as Islamophobic in a logic of escalation and provocation: desecration of graves and of the Holy
Qur'an, hateful, blasphemous cartoons, all these manifestations of Islamophobia give, in reality, the full extent of narrow-mindedness,
ignorance and moral bankruptcy and intellectual authors.
On behalf of the Islamic Ummah, I denounce and strongly condemn this irresponsible and absurd.
And in any event, particularly as regards the Holy Qur'an, the basis of the Muslim faith, God Himself was the protector of His infallible
holy word: "Verily it is We Who have sent down the Koran, and We're Caretaker "(The Koran, Sura 15, Verse 9).
I want everyone to understand that Islam and Muslims are the enemies of anyone.
Thus, I hope, born between peoples and between civilizations and cultures they embody the mutual understanding essential to peaceful
coexistence among peoples, respect for their beliefs and their diversity .
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
The Committee on Migrant Workers UN asks Senegal to respect and protect the rights of migrant workers
December 28, 2010
After reviewing the report submitted by Senegal, the UN Committee on Migrant Workers ("Committee") expressed concern about the
situation of migrants in this country, including that of irregular migrant workers, of those working in the informal sector and those in
transit, as well as the inadequate protection given to Senegalese nationals outside the country.
The Committee met on 24 and 25 November 2010 in Geneva, spoke on the review of the initial report submitted by Senegal on the
implementation of the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (MWC). In
view of this review, 14 civil society organizations have presented an alternative report to the Committee
(http://www.jsf-jwb-migrants.org/FRA ...). Many concerns raised in this report are reflected in the Committee's concluding observations.
As for Senegalese nationals working abroad, the Committee notes with concern that Senegal has not taken sufficient measures to protect
the rights of migrant workers, "despite the considerable number of expulsions and deportations of Senegalese migrants from Europe and
some countries of North Africa. The Committee calls on Senegal in particular to ensure that authorities provide consular protection and
assistance, including legal, to its nationals in the host country.
Stressing the important role of civil society organizations in protecting the rights of migrant workers, the Committee encourages Senegal
to consult civil society before the negotiation of bilateral agreements on recruitment of Senegalese migrants, and to take steps to that
these agreements are fully compatible with the Convention.
As migrants in Senegal, the Committee underlined the precarious situation of migrant workers in irregular situation and recommended the
establishment of a regularization procedure accessible and timely.
The Committee is also concerned that contrary to the provisions of the MLC, migrant workers are illegal immigrants detained persons
charged with or convicted of crimes and that juveniles are not separated from adults. The Committee recalls in Senegal that the detention
of undocumented migrants should be a last resort.
The Committee regrets that Senegal has not taken concrete steps to end trafficking of children from neighboring countries for purposes
of begging and calls for strengthened measures to protect children with one or both parents migrated.
Finally, the Committee noted with concern the lack of statistical data provided by Senegal on economic migration to Senegal and the
Senegalese expatriates. The Committee urged Senegal to create a database to monitor the implementation of the rights set out in the
Convention, and to collect data relating to the effective exercise of each right.
The Shadow Report submitted by 14 civil society organizations based in Senegal and Europe presents numerous violations of the rights
of migrants in Senegal as well as those of Senegalese workers abroad. The report criticizes the government's cooperation with Senegal's
policy of outsourcing its European borders, which is an increase in the abuse and deaths of migrants in transit. The report also
facilitation by Senegal mass expulsions through the issuance of securities of deportation, criminalization of migration, including the
adoption of Act 2005-06, which prohibits illegal migration, and lack of transparency and consultation in the development of migration
policies in Senegal.
Finally, the signatories of the alternative report urged the Senegalese government to fulfill its obligations under the MLC, and appealed to
Senegal - for violation of the rights of its citizens abroad - support the right of victims to justice, including requiring investigations and
supporting the efforts of civil society. This call was reiterated after the death of 14 December 2010 Mr Seydou Gadiaga, Senegalese
migrant, following his arrest by police in Brescia, Italy. The civil society organizations call upon the competent Senegalese authorities to
ensure that light be shed on the circumstances of his death.
Click here to read more »
The Committee on Migrant Workers UN asks Senegal to respect and protect the rights of migrant workers
December 28, 2010
After reviewing the report submitted by Senegal, the UN Committee on Migrant Workers ("Committee") expressed concern about the
situation of migrants in this country, including that of irregular migrant workers, of those working in the informal sector and those in
transit, as well as the inadequate protection given to Senegalese nationals outside the country.
The Committee met on 24 and 25 November 2010 in Geneva, spoke on the review of the initial report submitted by Senegal on the
implementation of the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (MWC). In
view of this review, 14 civil society organizations have presented an alternative report to the Committee
(http://www.jsf-jwb-migrants.org/FRA ...). Many concerns raised in this report are reflected in the Committee's concluding observations.
As for Senegalese nationals working abroad, the Committee notes with concern that Senegal has not taken sufficient measures to protect
the rights of migrant workers, "despite the considerable number of expulsions and deportations of Senegalese migrants from Europe and
some countries of North Africa. The Committee calls on Senegal in particular to ensure that authorities provide consular protection and
assistance, including legal, to its nationals in the host country.
Stressing the important role of civil society organizations in protecting the rights of migrant workers, the Committee encourages Senegal
to consult civil society before the negotiation of bilateral agreements on recruitment of Senegalese migrants, and to take steps to that
these agreements are fully compatible with the Convention.
As migrants in Senegal, the Committee underlined the precarious situation of migrant workers in irregular situation and recommended the
establishment of a regularization procedure accessible and timely.
The Committee is also concerned that contrary to the provisions of the MLC, migrant workers are illegal immigrants detained persons
charged with or convicted of crimes and that juveniles are not separated from adults. The Committee recalls in Senegal that the detention
of undocumented migrants should be a last resort.
The Committee regrets that Senegal has not taken concrete steps to end trafficking of children from neighboring countries for purposes
of begging and calls for strengthened measures to protect children with one or both parents migrated.
Finally, the Committee noted with concern the lack of statistical data provided by Senegal on economic migration to Senegal and the
Senegalese expatriates. The Committee urged Senegal to create a database to monitor the implementation of the rights set out in the
Convention, and to collect data relating to the effective exercise of each right.
The Shadow Report submitted by 14 civil society organizations based in Senegal and Europe presents numerous violations of the rights
of migrants in Senegal as well as those of Senegalese workers abroad. The report criticizes the government's cooperation with Senegal's
policy of outsourcing its European borders, which is an increase in the abuse and deaths of migrants in transit. The report also
facilitation by Senegal mass expulsions through the issuance of securities of deportation, criminalization of migration, including the
adoption of Act 2005-06, which prohibits illegal migration, and lack of transparency and consultation in the development of migration
policies in Senegal.
Finally, the signatories of the alternative report urged the Senegalese government to fulfill its obligations under the MLC, and appealed to
Senegal - for violation of the rights of its citizens abroad - support the right of victims to justice, including requiring investigations and
supporting the efforts of civil society. This call was reiterated after the death of 14 December 2010 Mr Seydou Gadiaga, Senegalese
migrant, following his arrest by police in Brescia, Italy. The civil society organizations call upon the competent Senegalese authorities to
ensure that light be shed on the circumstances of his death.
Click here to read more »
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Seven Hundred Villages in the Department of Kolda Abandon Female Genital Cutting and Child Marriage
KOLDA, Senegal November 28, 2010
Swirling colors and stamping feet swept across the field, heralding an important day for the department of Kolda in southern Senegal.
The buzzing crowd of more than 3,000 had come together to declare their abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC) and child/forced
marriage.
Villagers from throughout the department traveled hours to attend the event, where they were joined by government officials and
delegations of fellow Tostan participants invited from as far away as The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali. “We are forever abandoning
FGC and child/forced marriage,” affirmed the Kolda village representatives as the declaration was read in Kolda’s local languages, Pulaar
and Mandinka. Some of the 700 communities had declared their abandonment previously, but reaffirmed their commitment by joining in
with the new communities of their department that were declaring for the first time.
Aset Mballo, a mother of four from Saré Bidji, declared with her village for the second time. Like many of those present, Aset had
participated in Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP), hailed a “revolutionary approach” by Senegal’s Director of the
Family - Ndeye Soukkeyna Gueye - in her speech at the declaration.
The three-year-long Tostan program is taught in local languages and offers human rights-based education focused on democracy,
problem-solving, health, literacy and management skills. “I’m here today to teach children and parents about the health problems that are
caused by female genital cutting and child marriage. My daughters will not be cut, and I want to bring an end to these practices
everywhere!” said Aset.
The crowd’s enthusiasm was often barely contained. Children and adults alike spilled over onto the field to join the enthusiastic dancing
and rhythmic clapping accompanied the celebration’s youngest girl performers. The group of 50 adolescents had traveled from villages
throughout Kolda to spend a week together rehearsing theater and traditional dance with Tostan’s youth organizer. “The girls had the
chance to talk together about what they had learned in the program and the changes they were making in their villages,” said Abdoulaye
Kandé, Regional Coordinator of Tostan in Kolda.
For many of those present, the skits resonated on a deeply personal level. Kabba Mballo of Sare Kédjan recounted how her daughter had
died in childbirth at age 12 after being married to a much older man. The experience convinced Kabba to join the Social Mobilisation
Commission of Sare Kédjan’s Community Management Committee (CMC), which is established by Tostan participants in every
community. “We’ve educated everyone in the village now and we’re going to ensure the end of child marriage so that this never happens
again,” said Kabba.
Kabba and her CMC also reached out to nearby villages to share information and encourage them to take part in the declaration as a
united family. “These communities have initiated an extended education network,” said Gallo Kebe from UNFPA, representing the United
Nations System. He was referring to the “organized diffusion” strategy developed by Tostan. Of the 700 villages declaring on November
28, 23 are currently participating in the CEP and more than two hundred have already been through the program with support from
UNICEF, UNFPA, Sida, and AJWS. Thousands more villagers had decided to abandon FGC and child/forced marriage after learning
about human rights through outreach efforts of the CMCs.
The CMC activists have not only held intervillage awareness-raising meetings on the consequences of harmful traditional practices and
domestic violence, but also have organized community clean-ups, vaccination days, birth registration and school enrollment campaigns,
in their own and neighboring villages. Many of the CMCs have registered as official Community Based Organizations and have opened
bank accounts for their micro credit projects.
The results of the CMCs’ work were enthusiastically celebrated in numerous speeches at the declaration. Sekou Balde from Kolda’s
Department of Health noted: “With Tostan, we have lowered the rate of maternal mortality and initiated talks with young girls about
unwanted pregnancy.”
These community-driven changes fueled the smiles and enthusiasm that participants brought to the declaration. Representing the
Senegalese Parliament, Deputy Alpha Koita described the success behind the partnerships Tostan has built with Senegal’s villages,
saying, “Tostan understands that it is necessary to listen to, support and encourage the communities. It is a strategy that works.”
Today, Kolda’s communities are equally supporting and encouraging one another. Mama Diallo of Thiety left the declaration convinced
of her community’s decision to participate. “I would tell any mother never to cut her daughter. I would tell her what we have learned
about girl's and women’s health and I would teach her about human rights until she understood.”
Click here to read more>>
Seven Hundred Villages in the Department of Kolda Abandon Female Genital Cutting and Child Marriage
KOLDA, Senegal November 28, 2010
Swirling colors and stamping feet swept across the field, heralding an important day for the department of Kolda in southern Senegal.
The buzzing crowd of more than 3,000 had come together to declare their abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC) and child/forced
marriage.
Villagers from throughout the department traveled hours to attend the event, where they were joined by government officials and
delegations of fellow Tostan participants invited from as far away as The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali. “We are forever abandoning
FGC and child/forced marriage,” affirmed the Kolda village representatives as the declaration was read in Kolda’s local languages, Pulaar
and Mandinka. Some of the 700 communities had declared their abandonment previously, but reaffirmed their commitment by joining in
with the new communities of their department that were declaring for the first time.
Aset Mballo, a mother of four from Saré Bidji, declared with her village for the second time. Like many of those present, Aset had
participated in Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP), hailed a “revolutionary approach” by Senegal’s Director of the
Family - Ndeye Soukkeyna Gueye - in her speech at the declaration.
The three-year-long Tostan program is taught in local languages and offers human rights-based education focused on democracy,
problem-solving, health, literacy and management skills. “I’m here today to teach children and parents about the health problems that are
caused by female genital cutting and child marriage. My daughters will not be cut, and I want to bring an end to these practices
everywhere!” said Aset.
The crowd’s enthusiasm was often barely contained. Children and adults alike spilled over onto the field to join the enthusiastic dancing
and rhythmic clapping accompanied the celebration’s youngest girl performers. The group of 50 adolescents had traveled from villages
throughout Kolda to spend a week together rehearsing theater and traditional dance with Tostan’s youth organizer. “The girls had the
chance to talk together about what they had learned in the program and the changes they were making in their villages,” said Abdoulaye
Kandé, Regional Coordinator of Tostan in Kolda.
For many of those present, the skits resonated on a deeply personal level. Kabba Mballo of Sare Kédjan recounted how her daughter had
died in childbirth at age 12 after being married to a much older man. The experience convinced Kabba to join the Social Mobilisation
Commission of Sare Kédjan’s Community Management Committee (CMC), which is established by Tostan participants in every
community. “We’ve educated everyone in the village now and we’re going to ensure the end of child marriage so that this never happens
again,” said Kabba.
Kabba and her CMC also reached out to nearby villages to share information and encourage them to take part in the declaration as a
united family. “These communities have initiated an extended education network,” said Gallo Kebe from UNFPA, representing the United
Nations System. He was referring to the “organized diffusion” strategy developed by Tostan. Of the 700 villages declaring on November
28, 23 are currently participating in the CEP and more than two hundred have already been through the program with support from
UNICEF, UNFPA, Sida, and AJWS. Thousands more villagers had decided to abandon FGC and child/forced marriage after learning
about human rights through outreach efforts of the CMCs.
The CMC activists have not only held intervillage awareness-raising meetings on the consequences of harmful traditional practices and
domestic violence, but also have organized community clean-ups, vaccination days, birth registration and school enrollment campaigns,
in their own and neighboring villages. Many of the CMCs have registered as official Community Based Organizations and have opened
bank accounts for their micro credit projects.
The results of the CMCs’ work were enthusiastically celebrated in numerous speeches at the declaration. Sekou Balde from Kolda’s
Department of Health noted: “With Tostan, we have lowered the rate of maternal mortality and initiated talks with young girls about
unwanted pregnancy.”
These community-driven changes fueled the smiles and enthusiasm that participants brought to the declaration. Representing the
Senegalese Parliament, Deputy Alpha Koita described the success behind the partnerships Tostan has built with Senegal’s villages,
saying, “Tostan understands that it is necessary to listen to, support and encourage the communities. It is a strategy that works.”
Today, Kolda’s communities are equally supporting and encouraging one another. Mama Diallo of Thiety left the declaration convinced
of her community’s decision to participate. “I would tell any mother never to cut her daughter. I would tell her what we have learned
about girl's and women’s health and I would teach her about human rights until she understood.”
Click here to read more>>
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Abdoulaye Wade
President since 1 April 2000
President since 1 April 2000
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
