Senegal Court Jails Three TikTok Influencers Over Posts Criticising President Faye

DAKAR, Senegal — A Senegalese court has sentenced three TikTok influencers to prison over social-media posts considered insulting to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, according to reports published on August 7.

The three influencers are associated with an online content platform and have been described as supporters of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whose political relationship with President Faye has deteriorated sharply since the government changes earlier this year.

The convictions have triggered renewed discussion about freedom of expression, political criticism and the limits of online speech in Senegal. Supporters of the defendants argue that the case raises concerns about the treatment of political commentary on social-media platforms.

The development comes during a period of significant political change in Senegal, following the launch of President Faye's new political party and his split with his former political ally Sonko.

The case is likely to keep freedom of expression and digital political activism at the centre of Senegal's political debate, particularly as social media continues to play an important role in public discussion.