the city of touba, senegal, is a significant religious and cultural center, but it also faces a complex array of social and human rights challenges. recent events highlight concerns ranging from the treatment of children in religious schools to broader issues of social intolerance and crackdowns on dissent.
understanding these multifaceted problems requires a closer examination of the specific incidents and the underlying societal dynamics at play.
forced begging and abuse within daaras
a deeply concerning issue in senegal, particularly in religious centers like touba, is the exploitation of young boys known as talibés.
these children are often placed in Quranic schools, or daaras, where instead of receiving a purely spiritual education, they are forced into daily begging by their teachers, referred to as marabouts, and their assistants. daily quotas for money, food, or rice are set, and failure to meet these demands frequently results in physical punishment and severe neglect.
deplorable living conditions
many daaras operate in a state of disrepair, with buildings that are often unfinished and lack essential amenities such as running water, sanitation facilities, and electricity.
these inadequate living conditions expose the talibés to significant health and safety risks. the lack of basic infrastructure exacerbates the vulnerability of these children, making them susceptible to various illnesses and accidents.
human trafficking and weak enforcement
the forced begging of talibés constitutes a form of human trafficking under senegalese law.
this includes the exploitation of children for financial gain through begging and the recruitment or transportation of children for such purposes. despite having domestic laws in place that prohibit child abuse, neglect, endangerment, and human trafficking, the enforcement of these laws against Quranic teachers remains inconsistent and often ineffective.
while the government has initiated some measures to improve daara conditions and remove children from exploitative begging situations, a sustained and committed effort to eradicate forced begging and the abuse of talibés has yet to be fully realized.
sexual and gender-based violence in educational settings
senegalese girls are also disproportionately affected by sexual and gender-based violence within educational environments.
this includes various forms of abuse perpetrated by teachers, school officials, and fellow students. sexual exploitation, harassment, and physical abuse are prevalent, with rape and other forms of sexual assault also being reported. a particularly alarming case in touba involved 27 girls who filed rape charges against a 58-year-old Quranic teacher, serigne khadim mbacké, in march.
mbacké was arrested in june after being on the run for several weeks. however, the government's response to school-related sexual violence has been criticized for not fully acknowledging the scale of the problem or implementing concrete measures to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
crackdowns on dissent and media freedom
beyond issues affecting children and gender-based violence, senegal has also witnessed a concerning trend of crackdowns on media and dissent.
throughout the year, authorities have been reported to engage in actions aimed at limiting freedom of expression and suppressing opposition. this includes the excessive use of force by security forces during protests, as seen in march, may, and june, where actions were taken to maintain public order.
furthermore, there have been instances of media outlets facing pressure, and individuals critical of the government or involved in activism have experienced harassment.
political tensions and unauthorized convoys
political activities have also been met with restrictions.
for example, in october, khalifa sall, a prominent political figure and former mayor of dakar, denounced the police for preventing his convoy from entering the fatick region, an area southeast of dakar. the official reason provided was that the convoy had not received prior authorization.
earlier in october, amadou ba, a leader of the PASTEF party, was arrested following a television appearance, illustrating the volatile political climate and the government's apparent willingness to impose restrictions on political activities.
intolerance towards sexual orientation and gender identity
people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (lgbt) and their advocates continue to face significant challenges in senegal.
smear campaigns and abusive behavior are common, reflecting a broader societal intolerance and the criminalization of same-sex relationships in the country. these campaigns often contribute to a climate of fear and discrimination, making it difficult for lgbt individuals to live openly and safely.
arrests and social ostracism
recent events have included arrests targeting individuals perceived as homosexual.
in one instance, ten individuals were apprehended. this raises concerns not only about the arrests themselves but also about the potential for mistreatment and torture, as indicated by reports of torture following previous arrests of lgbt individuals in senegal.
the fear of stigmatization is so profound that some arrested individuals have been unable to return to their families, highlighting the deep-seated social prejudice and the severe consequences faced by those suspected of having same-sex relationships.
egregious acts of desecration
in a particularly disturbing incident in october, in the city of kaolack, a mob exhumed the body of a man suspected of being gay.
the body was then dragged through the town and subsequently burned, an act captured on video and shared on social media. this egregious act of desecration underscores the extreme level of hatred and violence that can be directed towards individuals based on their perceived sexual orientation.
while four suspects were arrested in connection with this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the severe societal intolerance and the potential for extreme violence faced by the lgbt community in senegal.
activism and rescue efforts
in the face of these challenges, courageous activists are working to support and protect vulnerable individuals.
there are ongoing efforts to raise funds to rescue men who have been arrested by religious police. in october, gay activists successfully helped ten men reach a place of safety.
these activists also confront violent islamist homophobia, demonstrating resilience and dedication in a difficult environment. the personal accounts of those impacted by these issues reveal the significant emotional and psychological toll of stigma, fear, and persecution.
confronting islamist homophobia
the intersection of religious authority and social intolerance creates a particularly challenging environment for lgbt individuals in senegal.
islamic traditions and interpretations can be used to justify discrimination and persecution, leading to what is sometimes described as "islamist homophobia." activists are actively engaged in confronting this, advocating for a more inclusive and tolerant interpretation of religious teachings and challenging discriminatory practices that are often carried out by religiously motivated groups or individuals.
the ongoing struggle for human rights
the situation in touba and across senegal highlights a broader struggle for human rights.
the issues of child protection, gender equality, freedom of expression, and the rights of marginalized communities are all interconnected. while senegal has ratified international human rights treaties and has laws in place to protect its citizens, the effective implementation and enforcement of these laws remain critical challenges.
international organizations and human rights watchdogs continue to monitor the situation, spotlighting abuses and advocating for justice and accountability.
the role of civil society
civil society organizations and activists play a vital role in bringing these issues to light and demanding action from the government.
their work in documenting abuses, providing support to survivors, and advocating for policy changes is essential for driving progress. however, these organizations often operate in a difficult environment, facing potential risks and limitations themselves.
a call for sustained commitment
ultimately, addressing the complex social and human rights issues in touba and senegal requires a sustained commitment from governmental authorities, religious leaders, and society as a whole.
this includes strengthening legal frameworks, ensuring their rigorous enforcement, promoting education and awareness about human rights, and fostering a culture of tolerance, respect, and inclusivity for all citizens, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.