Mariama Ba questioned by cybersecurity investigators in Senegal

Mariama Ba, known as Nourah Ba, has provided statements to the Special Cybersecurity Division (DSC) following her detention for alleged insults and content contrary to public morals. During her custody, Ba admitted to authoring a controversial post but claimed she was responding to insults from supporters of Deputy Tahirou Sarr.

Regarding the phrase ‘Sen président’ followed by insults, Ba stated she was referring to ‘President Tahirou Sarr’ rather than President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. She denied responsibility for a second publication containing insults against Senegalese citizens, alleging that malicious actors used artificial intelligence to alter her writings. Ba expressed that she acted out of anger and offered apologies to those offended.

In addition to the social media investigation, the prosecutor's office has ordered verifications regarding Ba's identity. Authorities are checking with the Nguidilé town hall and the Direction de l’automatisation du fichier (DAF) to confirm the circumstances under which she obtained her Senegalese national identity card and passport.