Dakar, Senegal – President Macky Sall of Senegal released a statement on Friday denouncing a violent attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye, a highly regarded female journalist and the director of 7TV, a private television channel. Faye, known for hosting a political show on 7TV, was brutally attacked and stabbed multiple times near her residence by an unidentified perpetrator. She was rushed to a local military hospital in Ouakam and is reported to be in stable condition.
President Sall took to social media to condemn the assault, emphasizing the importance of press freedom as a fundamental right that should not be overshadowed by violence. The identity of Faye’s attacker remains unknown, raising concerns about the safety of journalists and the necessity for enhanced measures to protect media professionals in the country.
The attack on Faye occurred amidst heightened political tensions in Senegal following the postponement of the presidential election, originally scheduled for February 25. While officials have not confirmed any political motives behind the attack, it sheds light on the existing anti-media sentiment in the West African nation. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has documented a surge in violence against media personnel in Senegal, citing increased verbal and physical threats, as well as a rise in arrests.
According to RSF, Senegal boasts a diverse media landscape, yet news coverage tends to be heavily politicized, especially in print media. The organization expressed concerns about the growing threats faced by journalists, highlighting the potential decline in press freedom in the country. RSF also addressed the suspension of internet access during civil unrest surrounding the election delay, drawing attention to the challenges journalists encounter in fulfilling their crucial role in society.
The attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists in Senegal and the urgent need for safeguarding press freedom. As the country grapples with political tensions and escalating anti-media rhetoric, advocates stress the importance of upholding the rights of journalists to report freely and without fear of violence or intimidation. The incident has sparked widespread concern within the international community about the state of media freedom in Senegal and the broader implications for democratic values in the region.