Maimouna Ndour Faye, host of a very popular show, L'hôte de MNF, is known for her openness and sometimes controversial positions. She has stated in the past that she has been the subject of death threats.
The attack on a journalist on the night of Thursday to Friday near her home in Dakar sparked widespread outrage in Senegal, which has been plunged into a serious political crisis since the presidential election was postponed. Maimouna Ndour Faye, journalist and general director of the private broadcaster 7TV, was “savagely attacked and brutally stabbed three times near her home” in Dakar, the broadcaster said in a press release. “She was immediately rushed to hospital and her condition remains stable,” 7TV added. The motive for the attack is currently unknown.
Maimouna Ndour Faye hosts a very popular show, “L'hôte de MNF”, where she often hosts political figures. She is known for her openness and sometimes controversial positions. She has stated in the past that she has been the subject of death threats.
Blood red clothing
On Friday morning, social networks circulated images showing the journalist lying on a stretcher, her clothes red with blood, her hand on her stomach. “I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and inexcusable act of violence against journalist Maimouna Ndour Faye,” responded President Macky Sall in a message on his X account. “Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that must be protected and respected in all circumstances. “No form of violence can be tolerated and those responsible for this aggression must answer for their actions in court,” he added.
The opposition coalition “Diomaye President” also condemned a “brutal” and “vile” attack on the journalist and called on the authorities to do everything necessary to resolve the matter. At the end of the afternoon, several dozen journalists gathered outside the 7TV premises to show their support for their colleague. Some carried signs reading: “The stabbed press!” Senegal is bleeding.
Several of them called on “authorities to ensure the safety of journalists.” Political leaders from all sides also came to support the journalist and reiterated their commitment to press freedom.