Three social media personalities handed prison terms for criticizing the head of state

Three prominent Senegalese influencers, known for their close ties to the former ruling Pastef party, have been sentenced to prison terms following the viral spread of a controversial TikTok video. The decision comes at a time of escalating political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Mandoumbe Diop, operating under the pseudonym Lamignou Darou, received a three-month prison sentence. Two others, Magueye Diaw (Oustaz Thiep) and Moustapha Ndiaye (Ndiaye Touba), were each handed two-month terms. In addition to their jail time, all three have been ordered to pay a 500,000 CFA franc fine.

The legal case stems from footage filmed at a religious gathering, where the influencers made highly charged remarks about a public figure. While they did not explicitly name President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the court ruled that their comments were clearly directed at him. The video included prayers that wished harm upon the individual, describing scenarios such as paralysis, stroke, or even death.

Political backdrop fuels legal dispute

This ruling arrives amid a deepening rift between President Faye and Ousmane Sonko, once his political mentor. The head of state recently formalized his departure from their shared political movement by establishing his own party, signaling a definitive split. The influencers’ legal team has strongly contested the verdict. Attorney Abdy Nar Ndiaye argues that the video was a form of satirical performance and contained no direct references to the president. He warns that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in Senegal and confirms that his clients will pursue an appeal.

The case has intensified debates across the country about the boundaries of public criticism, especially in the digital age. Social media platforms like TikTok have become key arenas for political discourse, raising questions about accountability versus artistic or comedic expression.