Senegal Justice Minister Me Moussa Sarr Ends Pre‑trial Detention in Civil and Commercial Cases

Justice Minister Me Moussa Sarr issued a circular on 10 July 2026 directing prosecutors to limit the use of pre‑trial detention and focus on serious offenses. The memo outlines six measures, including greater use of alternative dispute resolution, electronic monitoring, and faster case processing.

A key innovation concerns civil and commercial disputes: complaints that involve only these matters must be filed for dismissal, investigators may not be seized, and no garde à vue may be imposed. The reforms aim to reduce prison overcrowding, improve detention conditions, and align Senegal’s penal policy with its international human‑rights obligations.