The National Gendarmerie has firmly denied reports circulating online alleging the arrest of religious worshippers in Keur Massar. In an official statement released on August 30, 2025, the institution described the claims as “pure fiction” and accused their authors of attempting to undermine public trust.
The controversy began after images shared on digital platforms purported to show individuals detained upon their return from a religious ceremony in the Keur Massar area.
The Gendarmerie has dismissed these reports as fabricated, emphasizing that “no arrests of this nature have been made” by its units.
Colonel Ibrahima Ndiaye, head of the Communications and Public Relations Division, signed the statement and condemned what he called a deliberate act of manipulation aimed at “discrediting the institution and fueling mistrust among the faithful.”
Authorities reminded the public of the Gendarmerie’s core mission to protect people and property while ensuring the fair treatment of citizens in full compliance with human rights standards. They urged residents to remain vigilant and report any genuine concerns using the official emergency numbers 800 00 20 20 and 123.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over the spread of disinformation on social media in Senegal, where false claims have increasingly triggered social tensions and undermined institutional credibility.
In recent years, public authorities have intensified efforts to combat the circulation of rumors, introducing stricter monitoring mechanisms to protect both the security and the image of state institutions.
The Gendarmerie reaffirmed its commitment to republican values and called for active citizen collaboration to safeguard trust and social cohesion, warning that the deliberate dissemination of misleading information would not go unchallenged.
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