FALANA: ECOWAS MUST SANCTION SENEGAL

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN has urged the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to urgently organise an extra-ordinary session to discuss and respond to the deteriorating human rights and rule of law situation in Senegal.

Falana’s call followed President Macky Sall’s decision to call off this month’s elections citing as pretext a row over the eligibility of candidates.

According to Falana, “the ECOWAS leaders should consider imposing targeted sanctions including imposing travel bans, asset freezes and other targeted sanctions on Mr Sall and officials of his government responsible for serious violations of the democratic rights of the people of Senegal.”

The statement, read in part: “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.”