Senegalese Media Mogul Bougane Guèye Dani Detained Over Criticism of Prime Minister Sonko’s Economic Claims

Senegalese media mogul and leader of the movement, Bougane Guèye Dani, spent a night in police custody after being summoned by the country’s special cyber-security division over allegations of spreading false information.

Guèye Dani was questioned regarding remarks he made challenging Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s recent statement on Senegal’s financial situation. The Prime Minister had warned of a dire economic outlook, but Guèye Dani publicly disputed the figures, calling them inaccurate.

Security sources confirmed that no formal complaint had been lodged against Guèye Dani. However, authorities launched an investigation after a video of his statements surfaced online, prompting cyber-security officials to intervene. Following an internal review, Commissioner Djidiack Faye sought advice from Public Prosecutor Ibrahim Ndoye, who authorized the journalist’s summons.

Press Conference Under Scrutiny

During questioning, Guèye Dani, accompanied by his legal team Amadou Sall, El Hadji Diouf, Alioune Badara Fall, and Djiby Diallo was shown a recording of his September 26, 2024, press conference, where he had disputed the financial data presented by Sonko. He argued that the figures “did not correspond to reality” and suggested that if they were indeed falsified, those responsible should be prosecuted.

When police claimed that his remarks regarding ministers Abdourahamane Sarr, Cheikh Diba, and government secretary-general Mouhamed Al Amine Lo were defamatory, Guèye Dani stood his ground, stating: “My statement was not irreverent or defamatory.”

Political and Economic Implications
Investigators raised concerns that Guèye Dani’s criticism could undermine donor confidence in Senegal’s economy. In response, he redirected the blame toward Sonko, arguing:

“It is Ousmane Sonko who will scare away the donors. Because it was he who described an alarming situation in our public finances. It’s up to him to come and say if what he said is true.”

His detention adds to growing tensions between the government and critical voices in the media. Press freedom advocates have expressed concerns over the increasing use of cyber-security laws to silence dissenting opinions in Senegal’s political landscape.