Journalists in Senegal say they were assaulted while covering an eviction operation in Keur Massar Sud, sparking outrage from the country’s main media union.
The Senegalese Union of Information and Communication Professionals (SYNPICS) has condemned the incident, calling it a serious attack on press freedom.
The altercation occurred on 28 September during an eviction led by the Ministry of the Interior. According to SYNPICS, reporters on the scene accused Keur Massar Sud’s mayor, Mouhamed Bilal Diatta, of physically and verbally assaulting them.
The union issued a strong statement denouncing the actions as “serious attacks” on the right to inform.
“This is not just an isolated incident but part of a worrying trend against freedom of expression,” SYNPICS said. It stressed that the safety of journalists was a prerequisite for them to do their jobs and for citizens to have access to reliable information.
The group urged the Minister of the Interior to take swift measures to guarantee protection for press teams during official operations. It also voiced solidarity with the journalists who were attacked and said it was considering possible legal action against those responsible.
The evictions in Dakar and surrounding suburbs have been ongoing for several days. Authorities say the operations are grounded in laws that prohibit illegal settlements on public roads and public spaces.
Officials argue that the measures are necessary for traffic flow and urban sanitation, though such interventions often lead to tensions between local residents and municipal authorities.
In Keur Massar, however, the spotlight has shifted from the evictions to concerns over press freedom. Journalists argue that their work—reporting on state operations to keep the public informed—has been obstructed by intimidation from local officials.
The authorities have not yet announced what action they plan to take in response to the incident, but pressure is mounting for assurances that such attacks on the media will not be repeated.
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