• More than 100 Senegalese artists publicly urged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to impose sanctions on Israel over the Gaza conflict.

• The artists demanded diplomatic, economic, and military restrictions, including a ban on Israeli military transit through Senegal.

• Senegal has not imposed sanctions, unlike South Africa, Namibia, and Colombia, despite its membership in the Hague Group.

More than 100 Senegalese artists and cultural actors formally appealed to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to adopt firm measures against Israel over the Gaza conflict. The collective African Against Apartheid Senegal published the appeal in an open letter on February 2, 2026.

The signatories urged the Senegalese government to translate diplomatic positions into concrete action.

The petition included high-profile cultural figures, according to Senegal’s public broadcaster Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS). The signatories included filmmakers Alain Gomis and Mati Diop, choreographer Germaine Acogny, writer Ken Bugul, and several other leading personalities from Senegal’s cultural scene.

“The Senegalese people expect concrete measures. What role will your government play to save international law from the rubble of Gaza?” the signatories wrote.

“We are collectively outraged, but that word is not strong enough. We cannot remain behind our screens and behind news feeds and social media, wallowing in helplessness,” said Salimata Diop, artistic director of the 15th Dakar Biennale, speaking to Radio France Internationale (RFI).

Activist Tabara Korka Ndiaye described the situation in Palestine as a “femi-genocide,” arguing that women faced deliberate targeting and systematic violence. She called for collective action and a clear stance from Senegalese authorities to end the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip.

The artists demanded an end to diplomatic and economic relations with Israel. They also called for a ban on the transit of Israeli military equipment through Senegalese infrastructure. In addition, they demanded Senegal oppose Israel’s reintegration as an observer state at the African Union, from which it was removed in 2023.

Senegal belongs to the Hague Group but has not imposed sanctions on Israel, unlike countries such as South Africa, Namibia, and Colombia. The signatories urged President Faye to fully engage in the group’s actions and rally other African states around the cause.

However, political constraints and social pressure continue to complicate efforts to reconcile competing diplomatic and strategic objectives.

This article was initially published in French by Ubrick F. Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM