“A right without a judge remains a promise”: Lawyer Moussa Sarr argues for a justice system at the service of the environment

The Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Mr. Moussa Sarr, opened the 5th edition of the Africa BHR Forum on Business and Human Rights (Africa BHR Forum) on September 29, 2026, at the Azalaï Hotel in Dakar. The forum's theme is "Realizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment through responsible business conduct."

In his address, he recalled that this right is not new in Africa. The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights proclaimed it as early as 1981. Recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022, it is now enshrined in the legal order of more than 45 African countries, including Senegal.

For Moussa Sarr, the question is no longer whether this right exists, but how to make it effective in the face of corporate activities. He pointed out that, according to the forum's concept note, Africa loses nearly $195 billion annually due to environmental degradation, illicit financial flows, and the unsustainable exploitation of resources.

The minister indicated that Senegal has been developing its national action plan on business and human rights since 2023, which was technically validated in September 2025 and will undergo political validation shortly. As the country enters the oil and gas era, this plan aims to prevent abuses and ensure accountability.

Emphasizing the pillar of redress of the United Nations guiding principles, Mr. Moussa Sarr announced that his department will facilitate access for affected communities to the courts, strengthen the training of judges and court officials, and encourage non-judicial mechanisms for settling complaints, in conjunction with the National Human Rights Commission.

He finally addressed a message to the private sector: responsible business conduct is not an obstacle to investment; it guarantees its sustainability. Senegal welcomes investors, but expects in return respect for the law, the local population, and the environment.