A small yet impactful group of feminists gathered in Dakar this Sunday afternoon, making their voices heard in a powerful demonstration against femicide. With resounding chants like « Silence is not an option » and « Death is not yours to inflict! », Aminata Libain Mbengue and her fellow activists directly appealed to the State of Sénégal, demanding accountability and change.
« Even the President of the Republic, in his December 31st address, formally committed to taking measures to curb femicides. Yet, to this day, we are still waiting, » Mbengue stated. « We want to know how many more women, how many more girls, must tragically lose their lives before the Senegalese state finally assumes its responsibilities. »
calls for decisive government response
The feminist activist, acting as spokesperson for the demonstrators, vehemently criticized the authorities’ silence on an issue she believes is being normalized and treated as mere trivial news by the press. « We cannot stand by when a two-year-old child is raped and murdered by three men, without a single communiqué from the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, » Aminata Libain Mbengue continued. « This is a scandal! It is imperative that every time a woman or girl is killed, the government responds with strong, tangible actions. We reiterate that it is their duty to protect the women and girls of this country. Femicide must be legally recognized within the penal code. Women’s lives can no longer wait. »
After a brief but impactful demonstration, the group dispersed, carrying a clear message: they will organize a new protest following every murder of a woman until the State of Sénégal finally provides a meaningful response.
