Senegal Approves Law for Mutual Prisoner Transfer With Morocco

Wednesday 12 March 2025 - 11:09

By: Zahouani Ilham

Senegal Approves Law for Mutual Prisoner Transfer With Morocco

The Senegalese Parliament has passed a new law allowing for the mutual transfer of convicted prisoners between Senegal and Morocco. This legislation, which focuses on assisting detainees, particularly migrants, aims to repatriate numerous young Senegalese imprisoned in Morocco while attempting irregular migration to Europe.

According to the Senegalese government, many of these detainees were arrested while transiting through Morocco in their efforts to reach Europe by sea. The initiative, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, seeks to support and assist Senegalese citizens in legal trouble abroad, particularly in Morocco.

Foreign Minister Yassine Fall stated that 340 Senegalese are currently imprisoned in Morocco for offenses including irregular migration, drug-related crimes, fraud, and organized crime. Among them, 38 prisoners—10 of whom are serving sentences ranging from 3 to 25 years—have already requested to be transferred to Senegal.

This measure is based on a bilateral agreement signed in 2004 between Dakar and Rabat. Before implementation, it requires ratification and promulgation by the Senegalese president. The agreement aims to ensure consular protection and provide necessary assistance to nationals detained in the other country’s territory. It also outlines conditions for consular support for arrested or incarcerated individuals.

The law was unanimously approved by Senegalese lawmakers during a plenary session. Senegal and Morocco have long maintained strong diplomatic ties, collaborating in sectors such as tourism, energy, education, and infrastructure.