Senegal President Macky Sall condemns brutal attack on journalist

President Macky Sall of Senegal expressed vehement anger and condemnation following a vicious knife attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye, a prominent female journalist and director of a private television station. The assailant, yet to be identified, brutally stabbed Faye near her residence in the early hours of Friday morning, leaving the nation in shock and raising concerns about press freedom.

Maimouna Ndour Faye, known for hosting a popular political program on 7TV, was rushed to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, according to an official statement from the channel. The attack has sent shockwaves through the media community and beyond, particularly in the context of escalating political tensions in Senegal, marked by the recent postponement of the presidential election scheduled for February 25.

President Sall, reacting to the assault on the esteemed journalist, declared, “I strongly condemn this cowardly and inexcusable act of violence against journalist Maimouna Ndour Faye. Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that must be protected and respected in all circumstances.” The President’s words underscore the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need to safeguard the essential role journalists play in society.

Joining the chorus of condemnation, other prominent political figures in Senegal, including the Prime Minister and candidates in the upcoming presidential race, have called for a thorough investigation into the attack. The incident has prompted renewed concerns about the safety of journalists, particularly those covering politics and unrest in the West African nation.

Reporters Without Borders, a media watchdog, had previously raised alarms about the challenges faced by Senegalese journalists over the past two years, especially in the context of elections. The organization highlighted a surge in arrests and violence against media professionals, citing an escalation in both verbal and physical threats leading up to the legislative elections in 2022.

As Senegal grapples with the aftermath of this shocking attack on a respected journalist, calls for a comprehensive investigation and renewed efforts to protect press freedom echo across the nation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists, particularly in politically charged environments, and underscores the critical importance of upholding the principles of a free and independent media.