DAKAR, SENEGAL – President Macky Sall of Senegal strongly condemned a brutal knife attack on a prominent female journalist and director of a private television station that occurred on Friday. Maimouna Ndour Faye, known for hosting a political program on the 7TV channel, was assaulted and stabbed multiple times near her residence in the early hours by an unidentified attacker, as reported by the channel.
Following the attack, Faye was promptly admitted to the hospital, where she is currently in stable condition. The incident has taken place against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Senegal, stemming from the postponement of a presidential election originally set for February 25. Authorities have expressed uncertainty regarding the motive behind the attack, raising concerns within the country.
Prominent figures in Senegal, including the Prime Minister and various presidential candidates, have vocally denounced the assault on the journalist. President Sall affirmed his support for press freedom and condemned the violence perpetrated against Maimouna Ndour Faye, emphasizing the need to safeguard the fundamental right of freedom of the press under all circumstances.
As Senegal prepares for parliamentary elections in 2022, there has been a surge in arrests and acts of violence targeting media professionals in the country. Instances of verbal and physical threats against journalists have escalated, highlighting the challenges faced by the press in fulfilling their crucial role in society, as noted by watchdog organization Reporters Without Borders.
This recent attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye underscores the dangers confronting journalists in Senegal and the broader implications for press freedom in the country. The incident has sparked outrage within the media community and drawn attention to the need for greater protection for journalists carrying out their work in a challenging environment. The authorities are under pressure to investigate the attack thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, as concerns about the safety and security of journalists persist in Senegal’s media landscape.