Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Renowned journalist Madiambal Diagne, head of the Avenir Communication press group, was summoned on Friday for police questioning following a defamation complaint filed by Senegalese Prime Minister and Pastef leader, Ousmane Sonko. Diagne was accompanied by his legal representative, Amadou Sall, during the interrogation at the Dakar Urban Security premises.

Police sources confirmed that Diagne, after providing statements regarding the allegations, was released from custody. He is expected to reappear before investigators on Monday to address separate complaints filed by two businessmen, Abdoulaye Sylla Ecotra and Diop Taïf.

During his testimony, Diagne stood by his earlier remarks but denied defaming Sonko. “Ousmane Sonko accused me of being a billionaire. I think he is a billionaire because he owns two houses, one in Dakar and another in Ziguinchor, as well as a car fleet,” Diagne stated.

On allegations that he referred to Sonko as an Islamist, Diagne refuted the claim, pointing instead to statements made in a public video by an individual identified as Samir M. “Samir M. publicly declared in a video that Ousmane Sonko is our friend and we must support him,” Diagne explained to investigators.

Addressing accusations that he labeled Sonko as a rebel, the journalist clarified that his comments were a reference to statements from a senior official of the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC). “I never said that Pastef’s boss is a rebel. A senior MFDC official said that Sonko is the man they were waiting for,” Diagne stated.

Friday’s developments are part of an ongoing saga involving the journalist, whose high-profile commentary often intersects with Senegal’s politically charged landscape. While Diagne’s immediate release has brought some reprieve, his scheduled return to answer additional complaints on Monday signals that his legal challenges are far from over.

This case unfolds as tensions remain high in Senegal, where Sonko’s leadership and political influence have been subjects of heated debate. Diagne’s legal battles, alongside his outspoken criticisms, continue to attract national attention.