DAKAR, Senegal – President Macky Sall of Senegal has strongly condemned the recent violent knife attack on a prominent female journalist and director of a private television station in the country. Maimouna Ndour Faye, known for her political program on the 7TV television channel, was assaulted and stabbed multiple times near her residence in the early hours of Friday by an unidentified individual, the channel reported. Currently, Faye is in stable condition after being hospitalized following the attack.
The incident has sparked concern amidst the already elevated political tension in Senegal, particularly due to the postponement of a presidential election originally set for February 25. Authorities have yet to determine if the attack on Faye was politically motivated.
Leaders and public figures in Senegal, including the Prime Minister and presidential candidates, have expressed their condemnation of the violent assault against Maimouna Ndour Faye. President Macky Sall emphasized the importance of safeguarding and upholding the fundamental right to freedom of the press in response to the attack.
As the country prepares for upcoming parliamentary elections in 2022, watchdog group Reporters Without Borders has highlighted a rise in arrests and violence targeting media professionals in Senegal. Instances of verbal and physical threats against journalists have also escalated, reflecting a concerning trend in the country’s media landscape.
The attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and media workers in Senegal, particularly amid the backdrop of political uncertainty and unrest. The protection of press freedom and ensuring the safety of those in the media industry remain crucial in upholding democratic values and transparency within the nation’s governance.
In the aftermath of the assault on Faye, calls for justice and accountability have resonated throughout Senegal’s media community and beyond. The incident has sparked discussions on the need to address and combat violence against journalists, underscoring the vital role of the media in promoting an informed and democratic society.