Société Civile Sénégal: Condemns Menaces on Babacar Ba, Forum du Justiciable

• Twenty Senegalese civil society organizations denounced threats against Babacar Ba, president of the Forum du Justiciable, on September 13, 2026.
• Mr. Ba has faced past death threats from unidentified individuals and recent threats from a political actor linked to the presidential camp.
• The organizations expressed concern over increasing verbal attacks and intimidation against civil society members, stating this "escalation must cease."
• They affirmed that democratic disagreements should be resolved through debate, not threats, and committed to their role of monitoring and questioning national issues.
• The groups called on authorities to guarantee the security of civil society actors and to fully investigate the reported threats.

The organizations unequivocally declared that this "escalation must cease," signaling their firm stance against any efforts to silence dissenting opinions.

A coalition of twenty Senegalese civil society organizations has publicly condemned a series of threats targeting Babacar Ba, the esteemed president of the Forum du Justiciable. In a unified statement issued on September 13, 2026, these groups highlighted a disturbing pattern of intimidation, including previous death threats from unidentified individuals against Mr. Ba. The recent incidents involve new threats reportedly emanating from a political figure associated with the presidential camp, underscoring a concerning trend for civil liberties in the nation.

Beyond the specific threats against Mr. Ba, the signatory organizations expressed profound alarm over the broader increase in verbal assaults, insults, and attempts at intimidation directed at various civil society organizations and their prominent members across Senegal. This pattern of harassment, they assert, represents a significant challenge to the operational space for independent voices and critical oversight within the country. The organizations unequivocally declared that this "escalation must cease," signaling their firm stance against any efforts to silence dissenting opinions.

The collective statement from these civil society groups firmly rejected any attempts to muzzle critical voices, emphasizing that in a democratic society, disagreements should be resolved through open debate, the exchange of ideas, and reasoned arguments, rather than through threats or intimidation. This principled stand reinforces the fundamental importance of freedom of expression in Senegal and the vital role that civil society plays in a healthy democracy. The organizations affirmed their unwavering commitment to continue their essential functions of monitoring national issues, issuing alerts, proposing solutions, and holding power accountable on matters of public interest.

Among the prominent organizations endorsing this declaration were Africa Jom Center, ONDH, Réseau Siggil Jigéen, RADDHO, LSDH, COSCE, ONG-3D, Présence Chrétienne, AFEX, OSIDEA, AJED, CONASUB, CERAG, GERAD, Handicap Form Educ, Voix des Victimes, Justice sans Frontière, and Sen_CADDHU, alongside the Forum du Justiciable itself. Their unified voice underscores the widespread concern within the sector regarding the safety and operational freedom of activists and advocates.

In light of these persistent threats, the coalition of civil society organizations issued an urgent appeal to the competent authorities in Senegal. They specifically called for concrete measures to guarantee the security of all actors within civil society, recognizing the critical role these individuals play as defenders of human rights in Senegal. The groups stressed that the protection of these individuals is paramount for the continued functioning of democratic institutions and the safeguarding of fundamental freedoms.

Furthermore, the organizations demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the reported threats against Babacar Ba and other civil society members. They urged the authorities to shed full light on these incidents, identify those responsible, and ensure accountability. This call for transparency and justice is crucial for deterring future acts of intimidation against actors in Senegal's civil society and reinforcing the rule of law.

This incident highlights a concerning trend of escalating threats against civil society leaders in Senegal. Lawyers advising NGOs or working in human rights should monitor the authorities' response and be prepared to advise clients on legal protections, advocacy strategies, and potential recourse against intimidation tactics, ensuring the space for critical voices remains protected.

Source: Original reporting via Les Piques de l'As