By: Abdoulie John
Prominent Walfadjri TV journalist and political commentator Pape Sané was sentenced on December 10, 2025, to a three-month suspended prison term and a 250,000 CFA franc fine for disseminating false information and undermining the honor of Senegal’s security forces.
The Dakar court handed down the lenient verdict following a swift trial, allowing Sané to walk free after paying the fine. Prosecutors had sought six months’ imprisonment, including three months’ firm, but the judge opted for a suspended sentence, citing mitigating factors.
Sané’s legal troubles began with his arrest on December 5 after alleging that Gendarmerie investigators attempted to pressure Sanna Manjang—a former Gambian “Jungler” death squad member extradited earlier this month—to implicate Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in ties with Casamance separatists from the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC). Sané described Manjang as a potential “Trojan horse” in a plot against the PASTEF leader.
Manjang, captured in Casamance on November 29 during a joint Senegal-Gambia operation, was handed over to Gambian authorities on December 2. He faces multiple murder charges in The Gambia, including the 2004 killing of journalist Deyda Hydara under ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh.
Sané, remanded in custody on December 8 ahead of the summary trial, maintained his claims were based on sources. Walf TV’s Director of Programmes, Awa Diop Ndiaye, confirmed via WhatsApp to The Alkamba Times that arrangements were underway for the fine’s payment.
Human rights organizations swiftly condemned the conviction as a blow to press freedom, labeling it a “stain” on Senegal’s democratic record under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration. Critics argue it signals ongoing efforts to muzzle critical voices, despite PASTEF’s 2024 electoral promises of greater media liberties.
Supporters hailed the suspended sentence as relief for Sané, avoiding prolonged incarceration amid health concerns.
