Critical voices in Senegal often hesitate to speak out against Ousmane Sonko, largely due to the intense and often radical reactions from his supporters on social media platforms.
A palpable political tension has emerged between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, now the President of the National Assembly, casting a shadow over the nation’s democratic discourse. Civil society leaders and journalists have voiced serious concerns regarding an intimidating atmosphere permeating Senegal’s public sphere. Individuals who express dissent or criticism towards Ousmane Sonko frequently find themselves targeted by aggressive online denigration campaigns orchestrated by highly dedicated members of Pastef, the ruling party.
This environment fosters a climate of self-censorship, as many fear potential digital backlash or even physical repercussions for their views.
Furthermore, shortly after assuming the role of Prime Minister in early April 2024, Ousmane Sonko delivered stern warnings to the media, declaring:
“We will no longer permit media outlets to publish whatever they wish about individuals, under the guise of so-called press freedom, without any verifiable sources.”
Concerns over judicial independence
Ousmane Sonko has also consistently challenged the integrity of Senegal’s judicial system…
In November 2025, for instance, during a public meeting, Sonko, then Prime Minister, openly criticized certain magistrates for allegedly obstructing financial investigations. He argued that these actions perpetuated the very “system” he has long opposed since entering politics. Such pronouncements understandably drew strong condemnation from the judiciary.
Setbacks for women’s rights advocacy
A number of women’s rights advocates are also raising alarms about a perceived regression in the protection of certain fundamental rights.
Ossama Monique Sagna, a prominent Senegalese feminist activist, points to the persistent lack of substantial implementation of the 2010 parity law as a prime example.
“Firstly, there were fewer women ministers in the current administration than in the final government under Macky Sall. This represents a clear step backward for women’s political representation in decision-making roles,” she affirms.
Macky Sall’s last cabinet included seven women, whereas Ousmane Sonko’s government, prior to his recent dismissal, only featured four. This figure, approximately 13%, sparked considerable debate, criticism, and disillusionment among the public.
Ossama Monique Sagna further emphasizes that fundamental feminist demands remain largely unmet.
“This indicates minimal structural progress. We continue to discuss the reform of the Family Code, which still contains discriminatory provisions against women. The effective application of the Maputo Protocol, particularly concerning reproductive rights and protection against violence, is still a major issue. Our demands have barely shifted because political responses have not followed suit. There is also the extremely serious problem of feminicides and gender-based violence. In recent years, cases have multiplied, causing deep distress across the country. A strong reaction from the authorities is often conspicuously absent,” laments Ossama Monique Sagna.
Nationally, approximately 18 feminicides were reported in 2025.