In Senegal, a journalist and an opposition candidate were recently released by the courts after being questioned for disputing figures provided by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko regarding the country’s financial situation. The journalist, Cheikh Yerim Seck, and the candidate, Bougane Gueye Dany, had raised concerns about the economic status described as “catastrophic” by Sonko.
The new government, in power since April, has been facing criticism from various quarters for its actions against political figures and journalists. Amnesty International and other civil society organizations have expressed alarm over the summoning and legal actions taken against individuals for spreading what is deemed as false news or defamation.
The recent wave of legal actions has drawn comparisons to past repressive regimes, with concerns growing about the shrinking space for dissent and free speech in Senegal. The opposition coalition, Takku Wallu Senegaal, has accused the government of attempting to stifle opposition voices and transform the democratic system into an authoritarian one.
The situation is evolving as Senegal prepares for snap legislative elections on November 17. Despite these developments, the government had not provided any comments in response to requests for information on the matter.