Senegal Justice Minister considers specific femicide offense

Senegal's Minister of Justice, Moussa Sarr, has expressed preliminary support for recognizing femicide as a specific, autonomous criminal offense. This stance emerged during a meeting on September 7, 2026, with various women's and feminist organizations.

The discussions addressed the need for improved prevention, victim protection, and better training for security forces. The minister indicated that addressing violence against women and girls would be a priority in the upcoming general criminal policy circular.

Other sensitive topics discussed included the reform of the Family Code and the provision of medicalized abortion in cases of rape or incest. Sarr called for continued reflection on these issues, seeking “dynamic compromises” to navigate societal sensitivities. The meeting also covered the conditions of female detainees, violence against children, and digital harassment.