DAKAR, Senegal – President Macky Sall of Senegal denounced a brutal knife attack on a well-known female journalist and director of a private television station. Maimouna Ndour Faye, who hosts a political program on 7TV, was assaulted and stabbed multiple times near her residence in the early hours of Friday by an unidentified assailant, as reported by the channel.
Following the incident, Faye was admitted to the hospital, and her condition is currently stable. The motivation behind the attack remains unclear, with authorities indicating a lack of evidence to suggest political involvement at this time.
The assault occurs amid a period of heightened political tension in Senegal, stemming from the recent postponement of the presidential election originally slated for February 25. Various prominent figures in Senegal, including the prime minister and candidates in the presidential race, have expressed condemnation of the violent act.
As a reaction to the attack, President Sall condemned the violence, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of the press as a fundamental right that must be safeguarded under all circumstances. The assault on Faye underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Senegal, particularly in the context of escalating verbal and physical threats leading up to the country’s parliamentary elections in 2022, as highlighted by Reporters Without Borders.
The incident involving Maimouna Ndour Faye serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists often face in fulfilling their crucial role in society. The condemnation of such acts of violence by Senegal’s leaders reflects a broader commitment to protecting freedom of the press and ensuring the safety of media professionals operating in the country. The ongoing political tensions in Senegal further underscore the significance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring the security and well-being of all individuals, including journalists, in the nation.