Three sénégalais influencers handed prison sentences for ‘insulting the head of state’

Three popular sénégalais social media personalities, known for their support of the former ruling party Pastef, have been sentenced to jail time following the publication of a controversial TikTok video. The ruling comes amid escalating political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Mandoumbe Diop, operating under the alias Lamignou Darou, received the most severe penalty of three months in prison. Magueye Diaw (aka Oustaz Thiep) and Moustapha Ndiaye (Ndiaye Touba) were each sentenced to two months behind bars. In addition to their prison terms, the trio was ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 West African CFA francs.

What sparked the controversy?

The video in question, filmed after a religious gathering, featured the influencers making what prosecutors deemed defamatory remarks against the nation’s leadership. While the president was not explicitly named, the court ruled that the language used—including prayers for the president’s paralysis, stroke, or death—clearly targeted him.

The legal battle and political backdrop

The ruling has intensified debates over freedom of expression in Sénégal, with defense attorneys arguing that the video was a form of satirical comedy rather than a direct attack. Me Abdy Nar Ndiaye, representing the influencers, condemned the verdict as a dangerous precedent for press and speech freedoms in the country. He confirmed that an appeal would be filed immediately.

This legal clash unfolds against a backdrop of deepening political divisions. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently formalized his split from Ousmane Sonko’s party, signaling a major shift in the political landscape. The ruling party’s decision to distance itself from Sonko has further strained relations between the two factions.

What’s next for the influencers?

The three men, who gained prominence through their online activism, now face the prospect of serving time while pursuing their appeal. Their case has drawn attention to the broader issue of government criticism in the digital age, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where viral content can quickly escalate into legal disputes.