Senegal’s President Macky Sall made a statement denouncing a violent knife attack targeting Maimouna Ndour Fay, the prominent female journalist, and director of the private television station – the 7TV television channel. The attack occurred near Faye’s home, where an unknown assailant attacked and stabbed her multiple times. Faye was immediately hospitalized after the attack, and the 7TV television channel has reported that her condition is currently stable. 

The incident occurred amid heightened political tension in the West African nation due to the postponement of the February 25th, 2024 presidential election. The Senegal prime minister posted on Platform X, “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.” Although it is unclear if the attack was motivated by politics, there has been an increase in arrests and violence against media professionals in Senegal in the run-up to Senegal’s parliamentary elections in 2022, as confirmed by the watchdog Reporters Without Borders.      

There has been much debate and conflict over the decision to delay the presidential election by 10 months. This is an unprecedented decision in the region’s history, as President Macky Sall stated that the reason for the postponement was due to an electoral dispute between the parliament and the judiciary regarding some candidates. However, this decision was rejected by both the candidates of the election and the general public, speculating that this could lead to a loss of democracy in Senegal. In the wake of violent attacks on journalists such as the one on Maimouna Ndour Faye, national leaders must condemn such attacks and input measures to protect the freedom of speech and press of every citizen. The increase in violence during periods of high tension could easily lead to extreme repercussions and trigger regional violence. We must stand with the victims of such tragedies while promoting open dialogue and publications that serve to preserve the very principles of democracy.   

The Senegal’s presidential election has never been postponed. However, the Constitution grants the Constitution Council to reschedule elections in the circumstances involving “the death, permanent incapacity or withdrawal” of candidates. The West Africa bloc known as E.C.O.W.A.S., a regional organization established in 1975, that now represents the interests of over 380 million people, has urged the political class “to take steps urgently to restore the electoral calendar in accordance with the provisions of Senegal’s Constitution.”

Looking ahead, nations must implement programs that can prioritize the safety of journalists and media professionals. We must ensure that these individuals can continue their important work of informing the public and creating social change through spoken and published words without fear of violence.