Senegal: Police Officers Violently Attack Journalists Covering Protests
25 journalists were targeted by police with tear gas, physical assault, and temporary detentions.
Location: Senegal, Dakar
Date: February 9, 2024
Women Press Freedom categorically denounces the recent police violence against journalists while they were trying to cover demonstrations instigated by electoral postponements. No less than 25 media professionals, including Absa Hane, Fana Cissé, Isabelle Bampoky, and Ngoné Diop, were targeted with tear gas, physical harassment, and detentions by Senegal National Police officers. We demand the relevant Senegalese authorities conduct an exhaustive inquiry into these events and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions against these journalists.
At least 25 journalists have been physically assaulted and/or detained by police during widespread protests following the decision to postpone the presidential election originally scheduled for February 25, 2024. The unrest, which marks the first significant public outcry against the delay, erupted across the capital city of Dakar and various other locales, signaling deepening concerns over the future of democracy in one of West Africa's most stable nations.
Violence broke out in Dakar as security forces clad in riot gear resorted to firing tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets at protesters. The demonstrators, in turn, expressed their dissent through the burning of tyres and hurling of stones. The protests have not only been confined to the capital but have spread to other cities including Saint-Louis, Touba, Thies, Richard Toll, and Kolda, reflecting a national wave of dissatisfaction and anger.
Journalists reporting on the demonstrations were targeted by police.
Absa Hane was kicked by police until she lost consciousness while detained in a police car.
Police hurled a tear gas canister in the direction of Fana Cissé and other reporters. Cissé says another officer seized and twisted her arm and threatened to toss another tear gas canister into her vehicle if she rolled down the window.
A tear gas canister thrown in Isabelle Bampoky’s direction exploded near her foot. A video circulated on social media depicted her being assisted to walk after inhaling the tear gas.
Ngoné Diop, a reporter for the privately-owned news website Sans Limites, was attacked with tear gas after officers alleged she refused to move. Subsequently, in a different location, police blocked her from filming.
Women Press Freedom staunchly stands with Absa Hane, Fana Cissé, Isabelle Bampoky, Ngoné Diop, and all journalists who faced violent treatment while executing their crucial journalistic duties. We stridently denounce the brutal treatment of these media professionals, who play a key role in sharing vital information of public interest. We insist that Senegalese authorities identify and prosecute the police officers who attacked, harassed, and either used tear gas on or detained the journalists reporting on the protests. Moreover, we call on the authorities to guarantee the press can carry out their reporting duties safely and free from intimidation.
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