Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has recommended that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) consider implementing targeted sanctions, such as travel bans and asset freezes, against President Macky Sall of Senegal and officials in his government.
Falana urged ECOWAS to promptly convene an extraordinary session to address and respond to the worsening human rights and rule of law situation in the country.
This call comes in the wake of Sall’s decision to cancel the upcoming elections this month, citing a dispute over the eligibility of candidates. Falana asserted that the election postponement indicates a deliberate strategy by Sall to manipulate the country’s constitution, enabling him to retain power against the will of the people and their popular aspirations.
“Imposing targeted sanctions on Mr Sall and officials of his government is consistent with the provisions of ECOWAS treaties and protocols including article 45 (2) of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” Falana said in a statement.
