Senegal detains former adviser and ex‑minister amid political controversy

Former presidential adviser Abdoul Aziz Diop was placed under judicial custody on Friday after prosecutors said he posted online insults targeting opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and members of his party. Diop, an engineer and former special adviser to President Macky Sall, was transferred to Rebeuss prison and is scheduled to appear before a court on the charges of offensive speech and insults.

Former youth minister Pape Malick Ndour, arrested in May on suspicion of misappropriating two billion CFA francs in the Prodac case, remains in Rebeuss. Ndour’s family and supporters describe him as calm and claim his detention is politically motivated, arguing that the overcrowded prison—built for 800 inmates but housing about 3 000—hosts political prisoners. Both cases have sparked debate over the Senegalese government’s handling of dissent and the use of the justice system against opposition figures.