By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Senegal says it is bringing to an end all extraditions to France, accusing Paris of failure to cooperate on cases involving Senegalese nationals.
In an address to members of Senegalese parliament on Thursday, Justice Minister, Yassine Fall said her country has repeatedly requested the extradition of two of its nationals currently in France without receiving a response.
According to the Justice Minister, the government will ignore request from France concerning 12 individuals wanted by French authorities until Paris complies with Dakar’s pending extradition appeals in connection with the two wanted individuals.
She argued that Senegal enforces accountability on its own soil and expects France to do the same.
The announcement comes weeks after a French court postponed a decision on whether to extradite Madiambal Diagne, a well‑known xSenegalese media figure facing allegations of financial misconduct.
French judges have requested additional documents before ruling on the repatriation while Senegal maintains that all necessary papers have been filed. Diagne’s legal team has described Senegal’s suspension as “diplomatic blackmail.”
The 2 countries signed an extradition treaty in 2021, but the standoff marks a sharp deterioration in judicial cooperation since the agreement was signed.
Senegal’s government has increasingly voiced concerns about foreign partners failing to treat African legal systems as equal.
Analysts note that this suspension reflects growing assertiveness among African states demanding reciprocity in bilateral agreements.
