Senegal: President Macky Sall expresses anger following attack on journalist

In Senegal, President Macky Sall has spoken against a violent knife attack on a journalist who is also a director of a private television station, 7TV. The attack comes amid rising political tensions in the West African nation following the postponement of a presidential election set for February 25…

President Macky Sall of Senegal has condemned a vicious knife attack on a well-known female journalist who is also director of a private television station.

Maimouna Ndour Faye, who hosts a political program for 7TV, was attacked and stabbed many times near her home early Friday morning by an unknown assailant, according to a statement from the channel.

Faye was admitted to the hospital and is in stable condition, according to the statement.

The attack comes amid rising political tensions in the West African nation following the postponement of a presidential election set for February 25.

Reacting to the attack on X, President Sall said, “I strongly condemn this cowardly and inexcusable act of violence against journalist Maimouna Ndour Faye. Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that must be protected and respected in all circumstances.”

Other top Senegal’s political figures, including the prime minister, and candidates in the presidential race have spoken against the attack as they called for investigation.

A media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders earlier said Senegalese journalists covering politics and unrest have had to endure trying moments during the past two years at least, especially in connection with elections.

It highlighted an increase in arrests and violence against media professionals in the West African country including an escalation in verbal and physical threats in the build up to legislative elections in 2022.