The condemnations continue to pour in following the attack on Maimouna Ndour Faye. The political class, starting with President Macky Sall, has unanimously denounced this “cowardly and inexcusable act of
violence against the journalist.” But press freedom organisations point out that attacks on the physical integrity of journalists have increased in recent weeks.
“The savage attack on journalist Maimouna Ndour Faye after a programme she hosts every day is the latest example to show the level of safety of journalists, particularly in this pre-election period. We condemn
it in the strongest terms and call on the authorities to launch an immediate investigation with a view to identifying the perpetrators and punishing them,” Sadibou Marong, head of the Reporters without
Borders (RSF) office for sub-Saharan Africa, told APA.
“The protection of journalists is more necessary than ever at this time and beyond. At least 20 journalists were assaulted by the security forces during the demonstrations in February 2024,” he added.
According to testimony gathered from the victim’s relatives, the assailant was waiting for Maimouna Ndour Faye outside her home after her TV show with Farba Ngom, MP and propaganda officer for the ‘Alliance pour la Republique’ (ruling APR). Without warning, the assailant stabbed her before dragging her several metres, leaving
behind an act of senseless violence.
7TV news presenter Mamadou Awa Ndiaye reported that the journalist’s life was not in danger according to initial medical assessments.
ODL/ac/fss/abj/APA