Visit of Mr. Moussa Sarr to the Rufisque High Court: Concerns of judicial actors presented

The Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Moussa Sarr, paid a familiarization visit on Monday, September 14, 2026, to the Rufisque High Court (TGI) in Diamniadio. He was accompanied by members of his staff, the Attorney General at the Dakar Court of Appeal, and the First President of that court. This visit allowed him to inquire about the court's operational conditions and the difficulties faced by judicial actors.

The reception of the president of the TGI

Welcoming the minister, the president of the Rufisque High Court noted that the court, established on January 10, 2024, was receiving its first visit from a government official. He mentioned several material and human constraints, including the small size of the courtroom, ventilation and air conditioning problems, as well as plumbing and sanitation issues.

The shortage of judges, court clerks, and administrative staff was also raised, as was the lack of computer equipment, with some judges forced to use their own devices. The court's isolated location and access difficulties also prompted a request for public transportation.

The president of the district court reported similar concerns, including the failure to replace certain staff members, the lack of internet connection, and water leaks in the premises.

The prosecutor's remarks to the minister

It was the public prosecutor at the Rufisque High Court, Cheikh Diakhoumpa, who brought the specific difficulties faced by the prosecutor's office to the minister's attention. He emphasized the challenging working conditions his department faces, marked by the lack of an initial budget, staff shortages, and transportation problems across a vast territorial jurisdiction, forcing the prosecutor's office to cope with limited resources to cover a large area of responsibility.

On behalf of the bar association, the president welcomed the minister's visit and noted the insufficient staffing levels and transportation difficulties faced by users of the justice system.

The minister's response

In response to the concerns raised, the supervising minister explained that this visit was part of a series of trips to the courts to gain a better understanding of the realities on the ground. He emphasized that justice is a major issue requiring concrete solutions, despite a constrained budgetary context, before paying tribute to the commitment of the judicial staff.

Attorney Moussa Sarr acknowledged the need to provide the courts with sufficient resources. He particularly emphasized the urgent need to increase staffing levels and indicated that issues related to plumbing, electricity, and internet connectivity would be addressed with the relevant departments.

Regarding the court's isolation, he took note of the request for group transportation from Prosecutor Diakhoumpa and other judicial stakeholders, indicating that he would raise the matter with the relevant authorities. He also announced that he would be contacting the IT department to find solutions to the difficulties related to digital equipment, reaffirming his commitment to supporting those involved in the justice system.