Three Senegalese social media personalities—Mandoumbe Diop (popularly known as Lamignou Darou), Magueye Diaw (Oustaz Thiep), and Moustapha Ndiaye (Ndiaye Touba)—have been sentenced to prison terms for “insulting the head of state” and “violating public morals.” The court sentenced Lamignou Darou to three months in prison, while Oustaz Thiep and Ndiaye Touba received two months each. All three were also fined 500,000 West African CFA francs.

The case stems from a video recorded during a religious gathering, in which the influencers made remarks against “the greatest traitor of Senegal.” They wished for the targeted individual to suffer paralysis, a stroke, or even death. Although President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was never explicitly named, the court ruled that the comments were directed at him.

Political backdrop fuels controversy

This verdict coincides with a deepening rift between President Faye and his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko. The president recently formalized the split by launching his own political party, further straining their relationship. The influencers’ legal team has strongly contested the ruling. Defense lawyer Me Abdy Nar Ndiaye argued that the video was a form of satirical comedy with no direct reference to the president. He warned that the verdict sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in Senegal and confirmed that his clients plan to appeal the decision.