Three Lives Lost in June 17 Opposition Demonstration

Violence erupted during a banned demonstration organized by the opposition coalition Yewwi Askan Wi (YAW) on June 17, leading to the deaths of three individuals in separate incidents across Senegal. The protest, initially called to voice dissent against government decision, was banned by the Prefect of Dakar due to concerns over public order. However, nine days earlier, a similar demonstration by YAW had proceeded without incident.

The most tragic events occurred in Dakar, Ziguinchor, and Bignona, where protesters clashed with security forces. In Ziguinchor, 43-year-old Idrissa Goudiaby was killed after being struck by a bullet in the neck. His family, including his brother Mamadou Goudiaby, maintains that Idrissa was not participating in the protest but had stepped out to collect children from the neighborhood when he was fatally injured. The family claims the police were slow to respond as Idrissa bled out, with local residents eventually transporting him to the hospital.

Amnesty International has spoken with Goudiaby’s family members, who report that an autopsy certificate confirming the cause of death has not been returned to them, nor has his body been released, despite the passage of 10 days.

In Bignona, Albert "Abdoulaye" Diatta also lost his life during the demonstration. His family alleges he was shot by security forces, and they, too, are awaiting the return of his body from the regional hospital in Ziguinchor for autopsy.

The third death occurred near the Massalikoul Jinane mosque in Dakar's Bopp district, where an unidentified individual died during clashes. Protesters have claimed the individual succumbed to injuries from tear gas grenades that allegedly started a fire. However, the police countered the account, stating in an official statement that the individual accidentally set the fire while attempting to burn a tire.

As investigations into these deaths continue, tensions remain high across the country, with calls from local and international human rights organizations for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of protests and demonstrations.