Journalist Attacked by Hospital Staff in Louga While Investigating Maternal Death

Violence against journalists continues to escalate in the wake of February’s unrest, with the latest victim being Ousmane Kane, a reporter for state radio and TV broadcaster RTS. On 15 April, Kane was attacked by hospital staff in Louga, a northern city in Senegal, while attempting to cover the case of a young woman who died due to lack of medical care during childbirth. Her death had already sparked nationwide outrage.

Kane, who was in the hospital to interview a birth assistant about the incident, reported that he was insulted and physically assaulted by the hospital personnel. The attackers broke both of his phones, his glasses, and seized his equipment. In the wake of the attack, the Louga journalists’ collective has filed a formal complaint with the city’s police.

This assault highlights the increasing risks faced by journalists working to hold institutions accountable, and further raises concerns over press freedom and safety in the region. The ongoing violence against media professionals is drawing significant attention both locally and internationally.