Senegal: Pape Abdoulaye Touré case investigated for crimes against humanity

The Dakar public prosecutor has requested the opening of a judicial investigation for crimes against humanity in connection with the political violence that occurred from 2021 to 2024. The allegations include acts of torture and inhumane or degrading treatment. The first and second chambers have been involved.

The procedure accelerated on Tuesday with the arrest of Ibrahima Diaw, a community security assistant suspected of fatally striking Mamadou Ndoye during clashes in Bargny. Diaw was brought before the prosecutor as part of the investigation conducted by the Dakar Research Section.

Another aspect of the case directly involves Pape Abdoulaye Touré. Four individuals have already been arrested, including two former security guards employed at the time by former Youth Minister Pape Malick Ndour and two agents from the Dakar University Works Center, who are now subject to a judicial investigation. The prosecutor has initiated a joint investigation with the judges from the first and second chambers.

This procedure originates from a complaint filed on September 9, 2024, by Pape Abdoulaye Touré. In his complaint, he reported being subjected to illegal detention, kidnapping, and acts of torture that he claims to have experienced on the night of June 2, 2023. His complaint implicated several officials from the former regime, including Pape Malick Ndour, former Interior Minister Antoine Félix Diome, and former high commander of the gendarmerie Moussa Fall. Their mention in the complaint does not imply that they are charged at this stage.

The case is part of a broader judicial effort addressing the political violence from 2021 to 2024. In August 2025, the Senegalese Ministry of Justice indicated that it had referred the matter to the Attorney General at the Dakar Court of Appeal, requesting that he initiate proceedings regarding the allegations made by Pape Abdoulaye Touré in an open letter to the authorities.

The individuals arrested are presumed innocent. With the senior judge on leave, the four suspects related to the Pape Abdoulaye Touré case are to be presented to the judge of the second chamber for their initial appearance.