Senegal allocates 25 billion CFA for new prisons to ease overcrowding

Senegal's Minister of Justice, Moussa Sarr, announced a budget of 25 billion CFA to build two new prisons in Malicounda and Louga, providing a total capacity of 25,000 places and slated for completion in 2027. The funding follows a recent ministerial circular urging judges to limit pre‑trial detention and prioritize alternatives such as electronic monitoring.

Think‑tank founder Alioune Tine welcomed the measures but highlighted ongoing human‑rights concerns, calling for the abolition of the “paquetage” practice and the criminal offence of insulting the head of state. He also noted a severe shortage of legal professionals – 439 lawyers versus an estimated need for 1,300 – and urged reforms to strengthen the presumption of innocence and expand access to electronic bracelets.

The reforms aim to address chronic prison overcrowding, improve detainee conditions, and align Senegal’s penal policy with broader human‑rights standards.