Senegal's Lamignou Darou Oustaz Thiep and Ndiaye Touba arrested SN

• Lamignou Darou Oustaz Thiep and Ndiaye Touba, Pastef – Les Patriotes activists, were detained by the Special Cybersecurity Division at Feeñal Digital's premises.
• The arrest comes amidst a crackdown on online activities deemed threatening to national security in Senegal.
• Critics argue that Senegal's cybersecurity laws can be used to suppress dissenting voices and stifle freedom of expression.

The government's actions may be seen as an attempt to silence opposition voices and maintain control over the narrative.

Lamignou Darou Oustaz Thiep and Ndiaye Touba, two activists affiliated with Pastef – Les Patriotes, were detained by the Special Cybersecurity Division (DSC) at Feeñal Digital's premises. The DSC is a specialized unit tasked with investigating cybercrimes in Senegal. This development comes amidst a broader crackdown on online activities deemed threatening to national security. According to sources, Thiep and Touba have been collaborating with Feeñal Digital, a media outlet seen as sympathetic to Ousmane Sonko, who currently serves as the President of the National Assembly.

Senegal has been strengthening its cybersecurity laws in recent years. The country's cybercrime regulations aim to combat online threats and maintain national security. However, critics argue that these measures can be used to suppress dissenting voices and stifle freedom of expression. The arrest of Thiep and Touba raised concerns about the potential implications for individuals collaborating with media outlets seen as favorable to opposition figures. Their initial case has since been decided, with Lamignou Darou and Ndiaye Touba reportedly condemned in October 2025.

The detention of Lamignou Darou Oustaz Thiep and Ndiaye Touba has significant implications for freedom of speech and association in Senegal. As activists and media collaborators, they are part of a larger network seeking to hold the government accountable through online platforms. The government's actions may be seen as an attempt to silence opposition voices and maintain control over the narrative. This development underscores the need for careful consideration of the balance between national security and individual freedoms in Senegal.

Lawyers should watch for potential implications of this arrest on freedom of speech and association in Senegal, particularly for individuals collaborating with media outlets seen as favorable to opposition figures.

Source: Original reporting via Cybercriminalité : Lamignou Darou Oustaz Thiep et Ndiaye Touba interpellés