In Senegal, prominent actress Bigué Diop, also known as Mame Dior, is currently embroiled in a significant legal battle, facing two distinct sets of charges. The 32-year-old performer’s ordeal began on March 26th when she was initially summoned by gendarmerie officials. This initial summons stemmed from a defamation complaint she herself had filed, following the circulation of TikTok videos that accused her of theft. However, the situation took an unexpected turn during her questioning, leading to her own apprehension and implication in a separate theft investigation.
During the subsequent police inquiry, Bigué Diop’s mobile phone was confiscated and thoroughly analyzed. This examination uncovered information that gave rise to a second, highly sensitive accusation: alleged “unnatural acts.” This terminology, frequently used in Senegalese legal contexts, refers to purported homosexual relationships.
On April 2nd, a judge officially indicted the Senegalese actress on both counts. Regarding the theft-related allegations, which encompass charges of criminal association and money laundering, Bigué Diop has been placed under strict judicial supervision. For the second, equally serious charge concerning “unnatural acts,” she is currently subject to electronic monitoring, requiring her to wear an ankle bracelet.
Ouseynou Ngom, Bigué Diop’s legal representative, has vociferously challenged the validity of these accusations. He has particularly highlighted concerns over the circumstances surrounding the search of his client’s mobile device, asserting that it constitutes a direct infringement of Senegal’s existing cybersecurity laws. The defense team has publicly declared its intention to seek the annulment of the entire legal process before the indictment chamber.
It is important to note that the legislation criminalizing homosexuality in Senegal has been a contentious subject, especially following its toughening by parliamentary deputies. Beyond the specific case involving Mame Dior, a surge in arrests linked to similar allegations continues to fuel deep apprehension among human rights advocates and organizations across the nation.
