Dakar, Senegal – President Macky Sall of Senegal strongly condemned a vicious attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye, a prominent female journalist and director of 7TV, a private television channel, in a statement released on Friday. Faye, known for her political show on 7TV, was brutally stabbed multiple times near her home by an unknown assailant. She was rushed to a local military hospital in Ouakam for treatment, where she is reported to be in stable condition.
President Sall took to social media to denounce the assault, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and the intolerance of violence. The attack on Faye has sparked concerns about the safety of journalists and media professionals, highlighting the need for enhanced protection to enable the exercise of free speech and expression.
The identity of Faye’s attacker remains unknown, raising questions about the motive behind the violent incident. The assault occurred against a backdrop of heightened political tensions in Senegal following the postponement of the presidential election, originally scheduled for February 25. While officials have not confirmed any political links to the attack, it reflects a troubling trend of anti-journalism sentiments in the country.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has previously reported a rise in violence against media professionals in Senegal, including verbal and physical threats, as well as increased arrests. The organization has expressed concerns about the deteriorating press freedom environment in the country, citing a growing number of challenges faced by journalists.
According to RSF, although Senegal boasts a diverse media landscape, journalism often becomes entangled in political agendas, leading to increased risks for reporters. The organization warns of escalating threats against journalists, both in words and actions, signaling a concerning trend towards a decline in media freedom.
The attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye underscores the pressing need for comprehensive measures to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists in Senegal. As the country grapples with political uncertainty and rising tensions, ensuring press freedom and protecting media professionals are essential to upholding democratic principles and promoting a free flow of information. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in their pursuit of truth and transparency amidst a climate of increasing hostility.