The UN’s top expert on torture has raised serious concerns about the dire conditions in Senegal’s prisons, warning that overcrowding could lead to violence or the rapid spread of disease. Alice Jill Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, described the situation as “dramatic and inhumane” following her fact-finding mission to the West African country.
During her visit to five prisons, Edwards observed alarming conditions, with prisoners crammed into overcrowded sleeping quarters, many lying head to toe and sharing limited mattresses. The severe congestion is exacerbated by a lack of adequate facilities, leaving many prisoners in conditions that violate basic human rights.
Edwards acknowledged recent efforts to address the crisis, including the introduction of electronic tagging and plans for new prison infrastructure. However, she urged the government to repeal an amnesty law enacted just before the March 2024 election under former President Macky Sall. This law, according to Edwards, does not sufficiently address the root causes of overcrowding and does little to alleviate the strain on the penal system.
While Senegal has taken some steps toward reform, Edwards’ findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to prison overcrowding that prioritize the health and dignity of detainees. Her statements serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by African countries in reforming penal systems amid rapid population growth and limited resources.
