WaxJotna: Sénégal Tivaouane 9ème Féminicide Demands Legal Recognition

• Ndèye Bigué Sène, 20, was found dead in Tivaouane on August 22, marking the ninth femicide in Senegal since early 2026.
• The collective WaxJotna reported the death, emphasizing it as an extreme expression of systemic violence against women.
• This incident follows a double femicide that occurred in early July, highlighting a concerning trend.
• WaxJotna urges authorities to investigate preceding violence and prevention failures, not just count victims.
• The collective demands the recognition of femicide as a specific crime in Senegal's Penal Code, alongside new prevention policies and a stronger judicial response.

The collective WaxJotna has issued a direct appeal to Senegalese authorities, questioning how many more lives must be lost before the situation is treated with the gravity it demands.

The discovery of 20-year-old Ndèye Bigué Sène's body in the bush of the Séico neighborhood in Tivaouane on Saturday, August 22, has brought renewed urgency to the issue of gender-based violence in Senegal. This tragic event, confirmed by the collective WaxJotna, marks the ninth recorded femicide in the country since the beginning of 2026. The incident follows closely on the heels of a double femicide that occurred just weeks prior, on July 9 and 10, highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence.

WaxJotna has emphasized that the meurtre Tivaouane should not be dismissed as an isolated incident. Instead, the collective views it as the most extreme manifestation of a pervasive continuum of violences faites aux femmes Sénégal. They argue that these crimes are deeply rooted in power imbalances, systems of domination, and societal mechanisms that contribute to the dehumanization and normalization of violence against women and girls. The collective's statement underscores the critical need to move beyond simply counting victims.

In response to the escalating crisis, the collective WaxJotna has issued a direct appeal to Senegalese authorities, questioning how many more lives must be lost before the situation is treated with the gravity it demands. They stress the importance of systematically investigating the violence that often precedes each femicide, as well as identifying and addressing failures in prevention efforts. The collective extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of Ndèye Bigué Sène, while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to combating violence against women and girls.

Central to WaxJotna's advocacy are three key revendications féminicide Sénégal addressed to the government. Firstly, they call for the explicit reconnaissance féminicide crime Code pénal Sénégal, making it a distinct offense within the national legal framework. Secondly, the collective demands the implementation of robust politiques publiques prévention féminicide, tailored to effectively address and prevent violences faites aux femmes. Lastly, WaxJotna advocates for a significant strengthening of the judicial response to these acts of violence, ensuring greater accountability and justice for victims.

The ongoing series of femicides, culminating in the 9ème féminicide WaxJotna has highlighted, underscores the critical need for comprehensive legal and policy reforms in Senegal. The call for the recognition of femicide as a specific crime in the Penal Code is a pivotal step towards ensuring that the severity and gendered nature of these killings are appropriately reflected in law. This legislative change would not only provide a stronger legal basis for prosecution but also send a clear societal message about the unacceptability of such violence.

Beyond legal definitions, the emphasis on developing adapted public policies for prevention and protection is crucial. These policies must address the systemic issues that perpetuate violence, including educational initiatives, support services for victims, and mechanisms to challenge harmful social norms. A reinforced judicial response, as advocated by WaxJotna, is essential to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that justice is served, thereby contributing to a safer environment for women and girls across Senegal.

Lawyers in Senegal should monitor legislative developments regarding the proposed recognition of femicide as a specific crime in the Penal Code, as well as new public policies aimed at preventing violence against women and strengthening judicial responses. These advocacy efforts could lead to significant legal reforms impacting criminal prosecution, victim protection, and the overall legal framework for gender-based violence.

Source: Original reporting via SenePlus