Senegal’s President, Macky Sall, vehemently denounced a brutal knife attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye, a prominent female journalist and director of the private television station 7TV.
The assailant, unidentified at the moment, attacked and stabbed Faye multiple times near her residence in the early hours of Friday, as reported by the television channel in an official statement.
Following the assault, Faye was promptly hospitalized, and the latest update on her condition indicates stability, according to the channel’s statement.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Senegal, primarily stemming from the recent postponement of the scheduled presidential election slated for February 25.
Authorities are currently investigating whether the attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye is politically motivated. The circumstances surrounding the assault remain unclear, and officials are working to ascertain the motive behind this disturbing incident.
The shocking attack has prompted widespread condemnation from various quarters of Senegal’s society, including prominent figures, the Prime Minister, and candidates in the presidential race.
President Macky Sall, in a statement posted on X, expressed strong condemnation for the assault, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the fundamental right of freedom of the press in all circumstances.
The incident draws attention to a concerning trend, as in the lead-up to Senegal’s parliamentary elections in 2022, there was a noticeable surge in arrests and violence against media professionals.
This included a rise in both verbal and physical threats, as documented by watchdog organization Reporters Without Borders. The current assault on Maimouna Ndour Faye underscores the need for continued efforts to protect journalists and ensure the free expression of the press in Senegal.
