Three prominent Senegalese social media personalities, known for their affiliation with the former ruling party Pastef, have been handed prison sentences for allegedly insulting the country’s president in a widely circulated video.
The trio—Mandoumbe Diop (popularly known as Lamignou Darou), Magueye Diaw (Oustaz Thiep), and Moustapha Ndiaye (Ndiaye Touba)—were each convicted of “insulting the head of state” and “speech contrary to public morals.” The court imposed three months of hard labor on Diop, while Diaw and Ndiaye received two-month sentences. Additionally, all three were fined 500,000 West African francs (CFA).
Video fuels legal dispute
The controversy stems from a video posted on TikTok after a religious gathering, where the influencers made disparaging remarks about a political figure. While the president’s name was never explicitly mentioned, the court ruled that the statements were clearly directed at him. The video included prayers for the individual’s misfortune, including wishes for paralysis, stroke, or death.
Political tensions escalate in Senegal
The case unfolds against a backdrop of deepening political divisions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko. The president recently formalized a split by launching his own political party, further straining their relationship. Legal representatives for the influencers have criticized the ruling, arguing that the video was a satirical performance rather than a direct insult. Defense lawyer Me Abdy Nar Ndiaye has called the judgment a “dangerous precedent” for freedom of expression in Senegal and has announced plans to appeal the decision.
