Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Badara Gadiaga, a prominent commentator on Télévision Futurs Médias (TFM), has been formally indicted and placed under a detention order following a controversial televised exchange. The decision was made on Monday, July 14, by the senior investigative judge, in line with the recommendations of the public prosecutor.

Gadiaga faces multiple charges, including dissemination of false information, making offensive remarks against an official exercising presidential prerogatives, and making statements deemed contrary to public morals.

He is also accused of violating several provisions of Senegal’s Penal Code, including Articles 80 (paragraph 2), 254, 255, and 257. This provision addresses the acceptance of gifts or donations with the intent to conduct propaganda that may threaten public safety.

One of his lawyers, Me Oumar Youm, said, “In short, they say that he receives funding to disrupt the country. We find that the latter count is baseless…“.

The charges stem from a heated altercation between Gadiaga and Amadou Ba, a deputy of the ruling Pastef party, during the July 4 episode of Jakaarlo Bi, a popular political talk show aired on TFM. Gadiaga was arrested on Wednesday, July 9, as public debate over the exchange intensified.

An official judicial investigation has now been opened, confirming the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter.

The case underscores the growing tension between media figures and political actors in Senegal and raises fresh concerns about press freedom, political discourse, and the legal limits of commentary in the country’s increasingly polarized media landscape.

Although President Diomaye Faye came to power with promises of transparency and democratic reform, critics now question whether the government is adopting an increasingly intolerant stance toward dissenting voices.