Title: Ousmane Sonko’s lawyers seize the ECOWAS Court of Justice to defend the candidate’s political rights
Introduction :
In Senegal, the political situation has been tense since the dissolution of the Pastef party and the multiple human rights violations during the arrest of opponent Ousmane Sonko. His lawyers therefore decided to file three requests with the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore the candidate’s political rights in view of the presidential election of February 2024.
1. Human rights violations:
Ousmane Sonko’s lawyers have drawn up a list of eleven human rights violations, including the right to a fair trial and the right to freedom of association and the organization of peaceful assemblies. These violations were committed during the arrest and detention of Ousmane Sonko, calling into question the integrity of the democratic process in Senegal.
2. The dissolution of the Pastef party:
The dissolution of the Pastef party, pronounced on July 31, is also contested by lawyers. They consider this measure arbitrary and political, affirming that the party has never violated the law and that it has always complied with democratic rules by issuing an annual financial report. They ask the Court of Justice to recognize this violation of political rights and to condemn the State of Senegal for this decision.
3. The urgency of the situation:
With the presidential election scheduled for February 2024, time is running out for Ousmane Sonko and his party. The lawyers therefore ask the ECOWAS Court of Justice to rule quickly on the requests filed. In particular, they wish to obtain an accelerated decision, within 48 hours after the referral by the President of the Court of Justice, concerning the legality of the removal from the electoral lists of candidate Ousmane Sonko.
Conclusion :
The request filed by Ousmane Sonko’s lawyers before the ECOWAS Court of Justice marks an important step in the defense of the candidate’s political rights. This case highlights the numerous human rights violations in Senegal and raises questions about democracy and the integrity of the electoral process. We now have to wait for the decision of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which will have a major impact on the political future of the country.