The peaceful town of Kafountine, located in Senegal’s Casamance region, is in shock. A series of nighttime attacks specifically targeting women have recently been reported, spreading fear and concern among the local population.
Since the beginning of June, several women have reported being attacked while traveling at night. The incidents, often violent, occur mainly around residential neighborhoods and on poorly lit paths leading to isolated homes, reports Rewmi Quotidien.
Victims’ testimonies reveal similar modus operandi: unidentified men, often in groups of two or three, approach women under the pretext of asking for information or help, before physically attacking them. Some victims were robbed, while others were injured.
No loss of life has been recorded so far, but the psychological and physical after-effects are profound, the newspaper points out. “We are afraid to go out at night. What is happening is very worrying,” confides Awa, a resident of Kafountine. “The authorities must react quickly to put an end to this terror,” she adds.
In response to this alarming situation, local authorities have stepped up night patrols and set up checkpoints at the entrances and exits of the municipality. An emergency number has also been set up to report any suspicious behavior or aggression in real time. However, the population remains on alert and calls for more concrete measures.
The local police chief, Commissioner Diouf, told a press conference: “We take these incidents very seriously. Our teams are mobilized day and night to ensure the safety of the residents of Kafountine. We also encourage the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious incidents. »
Women’s rights groups have also taken a stand, calling for better protection and preventive measures to ensure women’s safety in public spaces. “It is imperative that women can move around freely and safely, day and night,” said Mariama Sarr, president of the NGO Femmes en Action.
