DAKAR, Senegal – President Macky Sall of Senegal issued a strong condemnation on Friday following a violent knife attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye, a prominent female journalist and director of a private television station. Faye, known for hosting a political program on the 7TV channel, was assaulted and stabbed numerous times near her residence in the early hours of Friday by an unidentified assailant, as reported by the television network.
The incident occurred during a period of heightened political tension in Senegal, stemming from the postponement of a presidential election originally set for February 25. Authorities stated that it remains unclear whether the attack on Faye was politically motivated or not. Nevertheless, the condemnation of the attack has been widespread amongst influential figures in Senegal, including the Prime Minister and candidates vying in the presidential race.
President Sall emphasized the importance of upholding the freedom of the press and decried the violence inflicted on Maimouna Ndour Faye. The President’s remarks highlighted the need to safeguard press freedom as an essential right that must be upheld at all times. As the political climate in Senegal intensifies in anticipation of the 2022 parliamentary elections, concerns have been raised about the escalating arrests and violence against media professionals, with both verbal and physical threats on the rise, according to the watchdog organization Reporters Without Borders.
The attack on Faye underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Senegal, where press freedom is under threat amid a backdrop of political uncertainty. The solidarity expressed by prominent figures in condemning the violence against Faye serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting journalists and upholding their right to report without fear of reprisal. As Faye continues to recover in the hospital, the incident has prompted renewed calls for ensuring the safety and security of media professionals in Senegal.