The trial of three columnists alleged to support Senegal’s ruling Pastef party has started in Dakar, raising fresh concerns over press freedom and political tensions in the country.
The commentators are accused of insulting Faye after appearing in a TikTok video in which prayers were made for misfortune and death to befall “the one who betrayed the Pastef project”. The remark was widely interpreted as referring to Faye.
The three have been in detention since late July and are being tried under expedited proceedings.
West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network Advocacy Officer Austin Aigbe said the case reflects widening divisions between Faye and Ousmane Sonko, whose supporters are increasingly feeling targeted. “What’s happening in Senegal is what the African proverb says: when two elephants fight, the grass suffers,” Aigbe said.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Wednesday, Aigbe said people perceived to support Sonko are becoming vulnerable when making comments seen as critical of Faye. “Everyone that is connected to Sonko bears this consequence,” Aigbe said.
According to Aigbe, prosecutors appear to be treating criticism of Faye as an attack on the dignity of the presidency rather than political expression. “What prosecutors have argued is that they are undermining the position of the presidency, not necessarily the President,” Aigbe said.
Aigbe warned the arrests risk silencing civic voices and weakening press freedom. “What’s gradually happening in Senegal is the reintroduction of a Macky Sall model where journalists were also arrested for insulting the president,” Aigbe said.
Aigbe said Senegalese journalists and civil society actors are concerned about what may follow if posts critical of Faye are increasingly classified as fake news. “It is more like if you report or post messages that may be anti-the President, it may be classified as fake news,” Aigbe said.
Aigbe said some Senegalese believe the current administration has failed to break with practices it once criticised under Sall.
The trial also comes amid speculation about a political rift between Faye and Sonko, who played a key role in mobilising support for the current administration.
Aigbe said if the columnists are convicted, penalties may resemble earlier cases, including short prison terms and fines of about $150 to $170.
According to Aigbe, the case could deepen political mobilisation among Sonko supporters ahead of future elections.
Aigbe said Senegal risks returning to a period of polarised politics if criticism continues to be treated as a criminal offence.
–ChannelAfrica–
