Falana Asks ECOWAS to Sanction Senegalese President for Postponing Elections

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has cjhallenged the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to impose sanctions on Senegal.

According to him, ECOWAS should impose travel bans and asset freezes on President Macky Sall of Senegal and officials of his government for postponing the presidential election.

Falana said ECOWAS should urgently organise an extra-ordinary session to discuss and respond to the deteriorating human rights and rule of law situation in the country.

The call followed Sall’s decision to call off this month’s elections, citing a row over the eligibility of candidates.

Falana stated that the postponement of the elections suggests a deliberate ploy by Sall to manipulate the country’s Constitution.

According to him, this is in order to hold on to power against the will of the people and 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.