Latest news with #Sonko
Daily News Egypt
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Senegal TV Commentator Arrest Sparks Free Speech Uproar
Senegalese authorities have arrested television commentator Badara Gadiaga after comments aired on a local broadcast were deemed a violation of 'public morality,' reigniting a national debate over the limits of free expression in the West African nation. 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.
Le Quotidien
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Le Quotidien
His appeal rejected by the Supreme Court: Sonko brings down justice and the opposition
Back from China, where he spent a week, the Prime Minister went 'live', as he likes to do, to report on his trip and settle his scores with the old regime and the justice system. Happy as Sonko, who had a good trip to China. The Prime Minister, still stunned by the country's situation after more than 14 months in office, is having trouble changing his tune. « We're not whining, » he says. But he still talks about the country's economic situation, the outstanding debt which is close to 100%. Today, he promises an economic recovery plan as soon as possible. « It will be an excellent plan to get the country out of this situation, » assures the Prime Minister, who detailed the contracts and agreements signed during his visit to China. You can't change your nature, it'll come back in a galop. He continued to settle scores with the Sall regime and the justice system by commenting on yesterday's Supreme Court decision in the Mame Mbaye Niang case. « It was because of this case that my candidacy was rejected. These are the same judges who are at the Supreme Court, and I wanted them to follow their logic through to the end. I will participate in any election I want, » assured Sonko, determined to continue his fight. « I wrote to the Minister of Justice on March 5, 2025, to tell him that the Justice system should take responsibility. He replied on March 26, saying that my position as Prime Minister would make any possible proceedings difficult. On April 2, I said that it was Citizen Sonko who had referred the matter to you. I am not afraid of any case. I will be ready to answer before the Court so that it can examine the cases for both the prosecution and the defense. Our lawyers will contact the Minister of Justice tomorrow (today) with new facts and the reports we have. Where is the person who accused us? She fled the country. Senegalese justice must live up to the citizens' expectations. The case must be reopened because it has nothing to do with our ineligibility. This is a fight of principles. I am fighting for the country to change. Politically or state-wise (Sic) whether you are a magistrate, Director General, or civil servant. I never went to get my passports, and they came to give me my diplomatic passports, and I travel as I please. It is the justice system that is discrediting itself, even if we all agree that there are excellent magistrates, » Sonko tried to put things into perspective. In any case, the Prime Minister is irritated by the turn of events. « We will never forget what happened because of the magistrates who were given land and money to prevent me from being a candidate. This created a lot of tension with deaths and imprisonments ». And added: « We are waiting for justice on these issues, on the theft of billions. I have never called a magistrate or a prosecutor. I want to be independent. That way, I will have the freedom to criticize because I will not be bound by the position of Prime Minister. Neither the State nor a position can change me. »
Business Insider
28-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
China-Senegal relations enter new phase with renewed political, economic cooperation
China and Senegal have deepened their long-standing bilateral partnership with renewed economic and political partnership, and cultural cooperation, highlighting the growing depth of China's influence within the Global South. China and Senegal have enhanced their bilateral relationship through renewed cooperation agreements. High-level meetings focused on achieving outcomes from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Senegal affirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships with China under the Belt and Road Initiative. During a high-level meeting in Beijing on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and commended the significant progress achieved by both nations since the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. " China and Senegal are companions on the path to development and revitalization as well as good brothers. China is willing to work with Senegal to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject fresh impetus into China-Africa friendship and Global South cooperation," President Xi said. Sonko, who had earlier attended the World Economic Forum's 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, known as the Summer Davos, in Tianjin, extolled the strong historical ties between the two countries and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and shared values. 'The relations between our two countries go back a very long time; they are solid and based on common values shared by the Global South, ' he said, adding that China respects Senegal's sovereignty and development path. President Xi, however, called for deeper and swift implementation of the outcomes from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and promised a more comprehensive Chinese investment in Senegal, particularly in energy, digital infrastructure, and trade. With a shared vision for the future, He also highlighted the upcoming China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges as a new opportunity to boost cooperation in education, tourism, youth engagement, and cultural initiatives. China - Senegal's reliable partner in progress Prime Minister Sonko commended the initiative; he described China as a ' reliable partner, ' and reaffirmed his country's commitment to the one-China principle. He further expressed enthusiasm for advancing cooperation with China through the Belt and Road Initiative and other bilateral agreements. ' Senegal is committed to firmly working as China's strategic partner to jointly promote international fairness and justice, ' Sonko added. Both leaders stressed the importance of defending multipolarity and strengthening South-South partnerships. As Senegal continues to push for economic transformation, its alignment with the Asian giant signals a gradual shift among African nations seeking development partnerships rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
Los Angeles Times
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Senegal women's basketball team members denied U.S. visas, prime minister says
The Senegalese women's basketball team has scrapped plans to train in the U.S. for the upcoming AfroBasket tournament in the Ivory Coast next month after several players and team officials had their visas denied, Senegal's prime minister said. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said on Facebook Thursday that the team would train in Senegal's capital, Dakar, 'in a sovereign and conducive setting.' The West African nation's federation said in a statement that the visa applications of five players and seven officials weren't approved. 'Informed of the refusal of issuing visas to several members of the Senegal women's national basketball team, I have instructed the Ministry of Sports to simply cancel the 10-day preparatory training initially planned in the United States of America,' Sonko said. The visa denials come amid a push by the Trump administration to make countries improve vetting of travelers or face a ban on their citizens visiting the United States. Senegal wasn't on that list of countries and it was not immediately clear why the visas were denied. A U.S. State Department spokesperson told the Associated Press that it could not comment on individual cases because visa records are confidential under U.S. law. The travel ban includes exemptions for the World Cup, the Olympics and any 'other major sporting event,' though it's unclear what constitutes a major event. The team is coached by Otis Hughley Jr., who previously led the Nigerian women's basketball team. He was the men's coach at Alabama A&M University before resigning in March. Senegal, which was going to train in the U.S. from Sunday through July 3, has finished first or second in four of the last five AfroBasket championships over the last decade and has won 11 titles overall. The tournament determines Africa's champion, which earns entry into the FIBA World Cup next year in Germany. Feinberg writes for the Associated Press.
Chicago Tribune
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Senegal women's basketball team members denied US visas, prime minister says
The Senegalese women's basketball team has scrapped plans to train in the U.S. for the upcoming AfroBasket tournament in the Ivory Coast next month after several players and team officials had their visas denied, Senegal's prime minister said. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said Thursday on Facebook that the team would train in Senegal's capital, Dakar, 'in a sovereign and conducive setting.' The West African nation's federation said in a statement that the visa applications of five players and seven officials weren't approved. 'Informed of the refusal of issuing visas to several members of the Senegal women's national basketball team, I have instructed the Ministry of Sports to simply cancel the 10-day preparatory training initially planned in the United States of America,' Sonko said. The visa denials come amid a push by the Trump administration to have countries improve vetting travelers or face a ban on their citizens visiting the United States. Senegal wasn't on that list of countries and it was not immediately clear why the visas were denied. A State Department spokesperson told The Associated Press the department could not comment on individual cases because visa records are confidential under American law. The travel ban includes exemptions for the World Cup, the Olympics and any 'other major sporting event,' though it's unclear what is considered a major event. The team is coached by Otis Hughley Jr., who previously led the Nigerian women's basketball team. He was the men's coach at Alabama A&M before resigning in March. Senegal, which was going to train in the U.S. from Sunday through July 3, has finished either first or second in four of the last five AfroBasket championships over the last decade and has won 11 titles in total. The tournament determines Africa's champion, which earns entry into the FIBA World Cup next year in Germany.
