POLITICAL SITUATION IN SENEGAL: Three commentators close to Pastef sentenced to prison
The Dakar High Court delivered its verdict this Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Three media figures close to the ruling party, Pastef, received prison sentences and fines for « insulting the head of state » and « disseminating statements contrary to public morals. »
The case has caused a major stir in the Senegalese political landscape. Lamignou Darou, Oustaz Thiep, and Ndiaye Touba were found guilty by the Dakar court following the dissemination of a viral video. In this video, the trio invoked misfortune upon « the one who betrayed the Pastef project. » The court formally interpreted this statement as a direct attack on the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The verdict was swift and decisive:
Lamignou Darou was sentenced to three months in prison.
Oustaz Thiep and Ndiaye Touba each received two-month prison sentences.
All three were ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 CFA francs jointly and severally.
In court, the three defendants firmly denied the charge of insulting the head of state, claiming it was simply a « private chat between friends » devoid of any political agenda. Deploring the court’s excessive severity, their lawyers have already announced their intention to appeal.
This conviction comes amid a particularly tense political climate, marked by growing tensions between the head of state, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the president of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko.
Yaovi Angélo HOUNDJO
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