Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Two prominent Senegalese figures, political analyst Moustapha Diakhaté and journalist Adama Gaye, have been placed in police custody following their recent summons to the Cybercrime Division on Friday.

The detentions, tied to their public statements on sensitive national issues, have sparked concerns over freedom of speech and the state of democratic discourse in the country.

Moustapha Diakhaté’s Case

Moustapha Diakhaté, a former Chief of Staff to President Macky Sall, was questioned regarding his analysis of Senegal’s recent legislative elections. His lawyer, Me Amadou Sall, revealed that Diakhaté had described the elections as “a scam” that contributed to what he called a “failing society.”

Diakhaté also reportedly criticized Ousmane Sonko, a key opposition figure, for allegedly faking a coma during a political incident. Me Sall denounced the detention, framing it as an infringement on his client’s freedom of expression.

“Keeping someone in custody for expressing an opinion amounts to hostage-taking and silencing dissent,” the lawyer argued, underscoring the broader implications of the case for public discourse in Senegal.

Adama Gaye’s Controversial Statements

Journalist Adama Gaye was also taken into custody following his remarks about the death of Mamadou Moustapha Ba, a former Minister of Finance. During an appearance on Sen TV, Gaye alleged that Ba’s death might have been the result of foul play, though he provided no concrete evidence.

“I think that Moustapha Bâ was killed. Who killed him? I don’t know, but an investigation must dig deeper,” Gaye said, calling for accountability and raising alarm about potential threats to public safety. He further suggested that individuals linked to the former regime be investigated.

Gaye’s comments have intensified scrutiny around Ba’s death, which has already prompted an official inquiry by the prosecutor. However, his allegations have also drawn criticism, with some accusing him of making inflammatory and unverified statements.

The detentions of Diakhaté and Gaye have once again ignited the debate over the right to free expression. Critics in Dakar argue that the new Senegalese government is increasingly clamping down on dissent under the guise of cybercrime investigations.

Rights groups and opposition parties have called for the immediate release of the two figures, emphasizing that questioning and detaining individuals for their opinions risks undermining Senegal’s democratic values.

As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on the government’s handling of the two dissent and its implications.