Senegal TV Commentator Arrest Sparks Free Speech Uproar
Gadiaga was detained following his appearance on a panel discussion where he referenced a past moral corruption conviction involving Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party. The remarks came in response to allegations made against him by MP Amadou Ba, who accused Gadiaga of academic fraud.
A video clip of the exchange circulated widely on social media, prompting the country's cybercrime unit to launch an immediate investigation. Gadiaga was taken into pretrial custody on Wednesday evening.
His comments touched on a controversial legal case from Sonko's time in the opposition, when he was accused of repeated sexual assault by former beauty salon employee Adji Sarr—a case that had long polarized public opinion in Senegal.
Gadiaga's lawyer dismissed the charges as 'excessive' and described the arrest as a violation of constitutionally protected free speech.
Public Backlash
The arrest has drawn strong criticism from opposition figures and human rights organizations, who accuse the government of trying to silence dissent and distract from mounting public frustration over soaring living costs and a deteriorating economic outlook.
'This is not about morality—it's about suppressing public discourse,' one rights group said in a statement on Thursday.
Gadiaga is expected to appear before a judge early next week, where a decision will be made on whether to refer his case to trial. The outcome is being closely watched as a litmus test for press freedom and civil liberties in Senegal under Sonko's leadership.
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Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
‘The Africa we want is not just a dream' - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty last week toured six African countries, namely Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, on a trip that saw important discussions with the local authorities on the part of the Egyptian business delegation that accompanied him. According to Ramadan Kurani, an expert in African affairs, this was a strategic trip for three main reasons. First, it defied allegations that Egypt's foreign policy is focused on certain regions in Africa, namely the Nile Basin, East Africa, and Southern Africa. Abdelatty's tour to West Africa, together with the visits of senior officials from Egypt and these countries during the past year, proved Egypt's willingness to boost its relations with all five regions of the continent, North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa, he said. A second reason is the fact that West Africa is intertwined with the Sahel and Sahara, an area facing security challenges, given that both the Islamic State (IS) group and Al-Qaeda are actively present there. 'The stability of this area is directly linked to Egypt's national security,' Kurani said. Thirdly, the choice of countries included Nigeria, one of the most important economic and political powers in West Africa, Senegal, which has deep cultural and economic ties with the other West African countries, and the three Sahel states of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which are facing growing challenges in the fight against terrorism. Chad, along with Egypt, is working on establishing a road network that will link the two countries together with Libya. The two countries are cooperating on the economic and security levels to combat terrorism in the Sahel and Sahara. Egypt and Chad host the largest number of Sudanese refugees from the conflict in Sudan. Abdelatty delivered a written message from President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi to the heads of state he visited, reaffirming Egypt's close relations with each and with the continent as a whole. On the economic level, 30 business leaders and representatives of Egyptian companies accompanied Abdelatty on his tour. Kurani noted that this was new in Egypt's diplomacy with the African countries. He explained that while historical and cultural relations between Egypt and the African states are rich, this has not always been reflected in economic cooperation. 'The African states can benefit from cooperation with Egypt in infrastructure, energy, medicine, and education. This is win-win cooperation as the Egyptian economy would also benefit,' Kurani said. The African states, he added, have taken positive steps to attract foreign investors. The economic delegation that accompanied Abdelatty's tour had explored opportunities for Egyptian investors to enter the markets of these states, he said. He said that one of the factors that will make Egyptian investment welcome in these countries is the fact that Egypt does not have a history of occupation of any African state. 'The activation of economic diplomacy goes hand in hand with political diplomacy, which will benefit Egypt as well as the African states,' Kurani said. On the societal level, Kurani explained, the six countries included in the tour can be described as Western Islamic states or part of the Western Islamic belt of Africa. Egypt's cultural relations with these countries are strong and boosting these and enhancing Egypt's soft power there is important, he said. The community of Egyptian expats, businesses, and Al-Azhar scholars can play an influential role in enhancing ties. 'When the Arab Contractors Company, for instance, initiates a project in an African state, it usually establishes a health centre, a mosque, or an education centre as well. After completing the project, they leave these establishments as a gift to the state,' he said. Egypt's investment in these countries amounts to $2 billion, 'but our soft power also guarantees an effective Egyptian presence in these countries,' Kurani noted. The Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) is very active in most of these countries. It supports Africa's developmental aspirations through capacity-building assistance, the transfer of knowledge, skills, and expertise, and the promotion of the creative industries. Meanwhile, Kurani said that Egypt will no longer be deceived by statements on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) being built on the Upper Nile by Ethiopia. 'Today, the GERD is complete. The main issue now is not the dam itself, but the technicalities of its future operation,' he said. If Ethiopia wants a genuine solution to differences on the dam, it must have the political will to enter negotiations. There should also be legally binding regulations for all the involved parties. US President Donald Trump's statements last week aimed to affect Egypt's position on other important issues, namely Gaza and the displacement of the Palestinians, a move which Egypt has repeatedly and categorically rejected. His statements aimed at either acknowledging the righteousness of Egypt's stand on the GERD, Kurani said, or were an attempt to convince the world that he deserves a Nobel Prize. He added that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had been provocative when he invited both Egypt and Sudan to the inauguration of the GERD in September. 'The inauguration is part of a political propaganda campaign by the Prosperity Party, Ahmed's ruling party, that uses the dam as a political project to distract attention from internal and border problems.' However, Kurani expressed optimism that the restart of the negotiations may bear fruit, noting that the present negotiating environment is different from that of 2019-2020. The internal problems Ethiopia faces today, together with recent developments in Sudan, may pave the way for better outcomes, he said. 'I am not saying that we will easily get concessions from Ethiopia, but the current environment will help maintain Egypt's water security. The positive point is that Ethiopia or any other African state will think twice before causing any harm to Egypt's water security,' he said. Regarding Egypt's role in promoting the Agenda 2063 aimed at achieving an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens, Kurani noted that Egypt has, since 2014, worked to boost its diplomacy across Africa. Studies show that 30 per cent of President Al-Sisi's external tours have been to African states. During Al-Sisi's address to the African Union's (AU) Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, earlier this month, he called on all African countries to work collectively to overcome challenges, stating that 'the Africa we want is not a dream but a near reality.' 'Such a slogan is very important for political, cultural, and strategic détente among the African states,' Kurani said. Agenda 2063 has various targets, mainly the integration and development of the continent. With that in mind, Egypt is working on multiple areas, including improving infrastructure across the African states and establishing a free-trade zone. It is advancing these goals through two important centres: the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding and the African Union Sahel and Sahara Counter-Terrorism Centre. These centres, together with the EAPD, play key roles in supporting development according to the Agenda 2063 framework. * A version of this article appears in print in the 6 August, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
6 days ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Foreign Minister opens business forum in Senegal to boost trade
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Friday led a business delegation to Senegal, where he opened a bilateral business forum and a new Egyptian factory, as part of a push to deepen economic ties. Abdelatty participated in the Egypt-Senegal Business Forum in Dakar, alongside Senegalese Minister of Commerce and Industry, Serigne Gueye Diop, and other senior officials and private sector representatives from both countries. The Egyptian delegation included 30 business leaders and representatives from major companies and associations, including the Federation of Egyptian Industries, the Export Council for Medical Industries, and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation. The forum provided an opportunity for companies from both countries to discuss partnerships and joint projects in sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, and renewable energy. In his opening remarks, Abdelatty praised the historical relations between the two countries, which are celebrating 65 years of diplomatic ties. He affirmed Egypt's full support for Senegal's five-year development plan and its 2050 national vision, stressing Cairo's readiness to share its expertise and support Senegal's development path. Senegalese officials welcomed the high-level Egyptian delegation, calling the forum the launch of a new phase of economic and investment cooperation. They praised Egypt as a successful model for development and investment in Africa and expressed their readiness to provide all necessary support and facilities to Egyptian businesses looking to invest in the Senegalese market. Separately on Friday, Abdelatty inaugurated an Egyptian 'Siltal Africa' factory for the production of electrical appliances in Dakar, in the presence of Minister Diop. During the opening, Abdelatty said the industrial project was an important step towards enhancing Egyptian economic activity on the African continent and reflected the state's vision of achieving joint development with African nations. The Senegalese minister of commerce and industry praised Egypt's role in supporting projects and investments in Senegal and contributing to the transfer of expertise.
See - Sada Elbalad
25-07-2025
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egyptian FM Praises Egyptian Community in Senegal for Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Taarek Refaat Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Badr Abdel Aaty, lauded the Egyptian community in Senegal on Friday for their vital role in deepening ties between the two nations and for their active contributions to Senegalese society across various sectors. Speaking during a meeting with members of the Egyptian diaspora in Dakar as part of his official visit to the West African nation, Abdel Aaty commended the community's efforts in fostering bilateral cooperation and enhancing Egypt's presence in the region. The minister highlighted Egypt's ongoing commitment to modernizing its consular services and embracing digital transformation. He revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration is currently upgrading the technological infrastructure in embassies and consulates, aiming to deliver more efficient, user-friendly services through advanced online platforms. As part of these efforts, Abdel Aaty announced the launch of a new mechanism to accelerate the issuance of computerized birth certificates and highlighted a cooperation protocol recently signed with the National Postal Authority. The agreement aims to decentralize document authentication services by offering them through local post offices, especially in underserved and remote areas, to reduce congestion and simplify procedures. The minister also presented several initiatives the Egyptian government has introduced to support its expatriate population. These include the "Import Your Car" initiative, the military service settlement program, and the 'Your Home in Egypt' project in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing, which allocates ready-to-move-in residential units to Egyptians living abroad. Additionally, he underscored the ongoing collaboration with the Central Bank of Egypt to help expats open domestic bank accounts, thereby broadening their access to investment and financial services within their homeland. Abdel Aaty reiterated the ministry's dedication to maintaining open communication with Egyptian communities around the world. He confirmed that preparations are underway for the sixth edition of the Egyptians Abroad Conference, scheduled for August 3–4, 2025. The event will serve as a key platform for dialogue between diaspora members and senior Egyptian officials. 'This conference is essential in shaping policies that reflect the aspirations of Egyptians living overseas,' he said, emphasizing the importance of incorporating their perspectives into national development strategies. During the meeting, the minister welcomed questions and suggestions from community members, assuring them that the ministry is attentive to the challenges they face and is working closely with relevant authorities to address them. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
