Despite a modest turnout of around twenty women, a powerful demonstration recently unfolded in Dakar, Sénégal, as feminist activists vociferously voiced their demands to halt the escalating crisis of femicide. Chanting resolute slogans such as « Silence, that’s enough! » and « Death does not belong to you! », Aminata Libain Mbengue and her fellow campaigners directly appealed to the Sénégalese government for immediate and decisive action.

« Even the President of the Republic, during his December 31st address, formally committed to implementing measures to curb femicides. Yet, to this day, we are still waiting, » Aminata Libain Mbengue stated emphatically. She posed a critical question to the authorities: « We want to know how many more women, how many more girls must perish before the State of Sénégal finally assumes its responsibilities. »

Feminists press for immediate government response to violence against women

As the spokesperson for the demonstrators, the feminist activist condemned the authorities’ perceived silence regarding this widespread issue, which she believes is often trivialized and relegated to a mere news item in the press. « We cannot have a two-year-old child raped and murdered by three men without a single communiqué from the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, » Aminata Libain Mbengue continued, expressing her outrage. « This is a scandal! Every time a woman or a girl is killed, we must see strong actions taken by the government. We reiterate that it is their 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 brief but impactful period, with the feminist groups declaring a new strategy: a public protest for every woman murdered, vowing to continue until the Sénégalese state finally delivers a concrete response to protect its female citizens.