The Media Foundation for West Africa condemns the attack on Mauritanian journalist Hanefi Ould Dahah and calls the authorities to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.
On January 26, 2025, Hanefi Ould Dahah, the director of Taqadoumy TV (TTV), was violently assaulted just outside the premises of the station. The journalist who had just finished hosting a live programme was assaulted in the presence of his colleagues.
Thanks to the prompt intervention of the police, the attacker was apprehended and taken into custody. The attacker was identified as Zine El Abidine Ould, a businessman whom the journalist had mentioned during a TV programme.
It was reported that Hanefi was attacked for allegedly revealing some information about a controversial public contract that was awarded to the prominent local businessman.
In an official statement, the Association des Institutions de Presse Privées (AIPP), said it will join Hanefi to file a complaint against the perpetrator, “jointly with our colleague Hanefi, we will file a complaint with the judicial authorities to ensure that this unprecedented behaviour does not happen again.”
The investigating magistrate of 6th Tribunal of Nouakchott has remanded Zine El Abidine into custody.
The MFWA welcomes the swift police response and the subsequent judicial action against the aggressor. While we condemn the attack, we also urge the Management of Taqadoumy TV to strengthen security on its premises to fend off future assailants.
