# Senegal prison reform and new facilities

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/senegal-pretrial-detention-reform
> Updated: 2026-08-10T19:49:26.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 5.

In mid‑July 2026, Senegal’s Justice Minister Moussa Sarr issued a circular directing prosecutors to limit pre‑trial detention, especially in civil and commercial cases, and to use non‑custodial alternatives such as electronic monitoring. The memo listed six measures, including greater use of alternative dispute resolution, faster case processing, and a ban on police garde à vue for such matters.

On 3 August 2026, Sarr conducted a surprise night inspection of the overcrowded Rebeuss detention centre alongside a high-level delegation. The visit focused on assessing living conditions and addressing the long-standing issue of “paquetage” (contraband). Following this, Sarr announced a 25 billion CFA budget to construct two new prisons in Malicounda and Louga, which will add 25,000 places and are slated for completion in 2027.

Furthering the push to humanize the penal system, the Senegalese Prison Administration announced on 10 August 2026 that systematic strip searches for detainees upon admission would end. Director General Aliou Ciss issued a directive stating that while searches remain a security necessity, previous practices were “humiliating” and “degrading” to human dignity. New regulations require searches to be conducted individually by officers of the same sex, with detainees permitted to keep their underwear, aligning with the United Nations’ “Mandela Rules.”

While these steps have been welcomed, think-tank founder Alioune Tine has noted that broader challenges persist, including a severe shortage of lawyers and the need to repeal the criminal offence for insulting the head of state.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Senegal ends systematic strip searches for prison detainees

Senegal's Prison Administration has banned systematic strip searches for new detainees, requiring that searches be conducted in private and allowing inmates to keep their underwear to preserve human dignity.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-ends-systematic-strip-searches-for-prison-detainees

### 2026-08-04: Senegal allocates 25 billion CFA for new prisons to ease overcrowding

Senegal will spend 25 billion CFA on two new prisons for 25,000 inmates, while officials push reforms to limit pre‑trial detention and abolish insulting‑the‑head‑of‑state offences.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-allocates-25-billion-cfa-for-new-prisons-to-ease-overcrowding

### 2026-08-04: Senegal Justice Minister Me Sarr Visits Overcrowded Rebeuss Prison

Senegal’s Justice Minister Me Moussa Sarr conducted a surprise night visit to Rebeuss prison on 3 Aug 2026, inspecting overcrowded cells and evaluating conditions as part of prison‑reform efforts.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-justice-minister-me-sarr-visits-overcrowded-rebeuss-prison

### 2026-07-18: Senegal Justice Minister Me Moussa Sarr Ends Pre‑trial Detention in Civil and Commercial Cases

Senegal’s Justice Minister Me Moussa Sarr ordered a July 2026 reform limiting pre‑trial detention, especially ending garde à vue for civil and commercial disputes to ease prison overcrowding.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-justice-minister-me-moussa-sarr-ends-pretrial-detention-in-civil-and-commercial-cases

### 2026-07-16: Senegal Justice Minister Moussa Sarr Tightens Pre‑Trial Detention Rules

Senegal’s Justice Minister Moussa Sarr issued a July 2026 circular limiting pre‑trial detention and ending criminal cases for civil debts to reduce prison overcrowding.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-justice-minister-moussa-sarr-tightens-pretrial-detention-rules

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Cite as: Senegal prison reform and new facilities. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/senegal-pretrial-detention-reform