Sous-préfet Fissel: Interdiction Rassemblement Pastef Ndiaganiao Issued

• A Pastef Les Patriotes event in Ndiaganiao, initially authorized for September 5, 2026, was cancelled by local authorities.
• adjoint au sous-préfet Mouhamed Malick Ngom of Fissel issued an initial permit on August 27, 2026, which was revoked the following day.
• The interdiction, via Arrêté n° 87/AF/SP/as, cited risks of public disorder and insufficient security forces as reasons.
• The decision to prohibit the rally came despite an earlier administrative investigation report dated August 19, 2026.
• This incident follows a similar last-minute interdiction of a Pastef rally in Tivaouane in July 2026.

The repeated challenges faced by Pastef in securing and maintaining permits for their gatherings highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the liberté de réunion Sénégal Pastef.

Plans for a Pastef Les Patriotes event in Ndiaganiao, intended to launch the sale of party membership cards, were initially sanctioned by local authorities before being abruptly cancelled. The gathering was scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, commencing at 11:00 AM, at the public square in Ndiaganiao. Organizers, identified as Ndiouma Sène, Cheikh Tine, and Omar Diouf, had secured an initial authorization for the event.

This initial approval came via Arrêté n° 86/AF/SP/as, issued on August 27, 2026, by adjoint au sous-préfet Mouhamed Malick Ngom of Fissel. The permit stipulated that the organizers were to collaborate with the Ndiaganiao Gendarmerie to ensure public tranquility and prevent any disruptions to public order. However, this authorization proved short-lived, as the administration reversed its decision within a mere 24 hours.

A subsequent administrative order, Arrêté n° 87/AF/SP/as, dated August 28, 2026, formally withdrew the previous permit and imposed an interdiction on the planned rassemblement Pastef Ndiaganiao. This sudden annulation événement Pastef Ndiaganiao by the adjoint au sous-préfet Fissel interdiction rassemblement Pastef Ndiaganiao left organizers and observers questioning the rapid shift in official stance.

The decision to issue the Mouhamed Malick Ngom interdiction was based on two primary justifications provided by the authorities. Firstly, officials cited a potential risk of troubles ordre public Sénégal rassemblement. Secondly, they highlighted an insufficient number of security forces available to adequately manage and oversee the event, thereby ensuring public safety.

The implementation of this interdiction was specifically assigned to the commander of the Ndiaganiao Gendarmerie Brigade. Furthermore, the Préfet of the Mbour department was also listed among the recipients of the new administrative decision, indicating a broader administrative awareness of the cancellation. This rapid change in authorization came despite a prior administrative process.

Records show that the organizers' request had been submitted on August 10, 2026. This request was followed by an official investigation, culminating in report n° 84/4, dated August 19, 2026. The existence of this prior review and report suggests that the initial authorization, and subsequently the arrêté 87/AF/SP/as Pastef, were not issued without some level of administrative due diligence, making the swift reversal particularly notable.

The abrupt administrative shift, moving from approval to interdiction within 24 hours, has fueled questions regarding the consistency and predictability of official decisions concerning public gatherings. Such rapid changes can create uncertainty for political parties and event organizers seeking to exercise their right to assembly.

This incident is not isolated; a similar situation occurred previously in Tivaouane. On July 18, 2026, authorities there prohibited a Pastef rally scheduled for July 19, 2026, at a site opposite the prefecture, following discussions with local party representatives. These instances collectively underscore the discretionary power wielded by administrative authorities in Senegal when it comes to granting or revoking permits for public events.

The repeated challenges faced by Pastef in securing and maintaining permits for their gatherings highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the liberté de réunion Sénégal Pastef. Such administrative actions demonstrate the potential for official discretion to significantly impact the ability of political entities and citizens to assemble publicly, even after initial permissions have been granted.

This case demonstrates the discretionary power of Senegalese administrative authorities to revoke previously granted public assembly permits, even at the last minute, citing public order and resource constraints. Lawyers advising political parties or event organizers must consider this administrative volatility and prepare for potential challenges to freedom of assembly.

Source: Original reporting via senenews