Uncertainty about the freedoms of speech under Senegal's newly appointed leaders
In March 2024, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye came to power after months of widespread discontent with outgoing Macky Sall's leadership. Faye's ascension marked a significant turnaround, with Faye released from prison less than two weeks before the election. However, the new government's pledge to tackle political repression and organized a justice forum in May last year, whose recommendations have yet to be implemented, has raised concerns among human rights defenders and the opposition.
The appointment of two close allies of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior in a cabinet reshuffle has further strengthened these concerns. Malick Sall and Abdou Karim Fofana, the newly appointed ministers, have been criticized for their close ties to Sonko, who was ultimately convicted of 'corrupting youth' in 2023.
Sonko's tenure as prime minister has been marked by several controversies. In a TV debate, Badara Gadiaga, one of the imprisoned journalists, referred to a sexual assault allegation filed against Sonko while he was still in opposition. Gadiaga was arrested and is currently serving a prison sentence.
The prime minister has been accused of avoiding open debate with MPs and harping on his past as a persecuted opposition figure. In parliament in July, Sonko was accused of not participating in open debate, with some MPs claiming he focused too much on his past persecution.
The issue of freedom of expression has been a contentious one in Senegal. Journalist Doudou Coulibaly was given a three-month suspended sentence in August for remarks about Sonko's visit to Turkey and his relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Opposition figure Moustapha Diakhate was arrested and spent 45 days in detention in June for calling the head of state a 'buffoon'. At least two other journalists are currently imprisoned on the same charge.
Seydi Gassama, Amnesty International's head for Senegal, acknowledged issues related to freedom of expression and attributed them to old, repressive laws that need reform. Alassane Seck, president of the Senegalese League for Human Rights, questioned the prosecutor's 'still exorbitant powers' that have led to numerous preventive detentions.
However, Guy Marius Sagna, a MP, stated there are no restrictions on freedoms, but criticized the lack of jailing of more former officials from Macky Sall's government. Anne, from the former ruling party, claimed freedom of expression is under severe pressure due to the prime minister's desire to silence opposing voices.
Senegal, often seen as a democratic haven in a restive region, is facing internal challenges that threaten its democratic status. The government has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these concerns.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
