Despite their limited numbers, a powerful demonstration by feminist activists made waves in Dakar this Sunday afternoon. These women vocally expressed their condemnation of femicide, demanding an immediate end to the violence. Chanting slogans such as « Le silence, ça suffit » (Silence, enough is enough) and « La mort ne vous appartient pas ! » (Death does not belong to you!), Aminata Libain Mbengue and her fellow activists directly challenged the State of Sénégal.

« Even the President of the Republic, in his December 31st address, explicitly stated his intention to implement measures to curb femicides. Yet, we are still waiting for action,» asserted Aminata Libain Mbengue. « We want to know how many more women, how many more girls must perish before the State of Sénégal finally assumes its responsibilities. »

Demanding government accountability

The feminist spokesperson for the demonstrators criticized the authorities’ silence on an issue often trivialized and relegated to mere news snippets. « How can a two-year-old child be raped and murdered by three men, and yet there is no official communiqué from the Ministry of Family and Solidarity?» Aminata Libain Mbengue questioned, her voice filled with indignation. « This is an outrage! It is imperative that strong actions are taken by the government every time a woman or girl is killed. We remind them that it is their fundamental duty to protect the women and girls of this nation. Femicide must be formally recognized within the penal code. The lives of women cannot wait any longer.»

The demonstration concluded after a few minutes, but the activists’ resolve remained firm. Their rallying cry: a protest will be organized for every future murder of a woman, until the State finally takes decisive action.