Senegal court sentences influencers to prison for insulting president

Three Senegalese influencers with ties to the former ruling party Pastef have been handed firm prison sentences after a video they posted on TikTok sparked controversy. The ruling comes amid escalating political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko.

Mandoumbe Diop, known online as Lamignou Darou, received a three-month prison term, while Magueye Diaw (Oustaz Thiep) and Moustapha Ndiaye (Ndiaye Touba) were each sentenced to two months. In addition to their prison terms, all three were fined 500,000 CFA francs.

What sparked the controversy?

The incident originated from a video filmed at a religious gathering. In the clip, the influencers made comments targeting what they described as “the greatest traitor of Senegal,” wishing him harm such as paralysis, stroke, or death. Although the president was not explicitly named, the court ruled that the remarks were clearly directed at Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

A ruling amid political unrest

The timing of the verdict is particularly significant as it follows a growing rift between President Faye and Ousmane Sonko. The president recently formalized their political split by launching his own party, further straining their once-close relationship.

The defendants’ legal team has strongly contested the ruling. Me Abdy Nar Ndiaye, their lawyer, argued that the video was a form of satirical comedy and contained no direct references to the president. He warned that the verdict sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in Senegal and confirmed that an appeal would be filed.