Senegal Parliament in Chaos as Lawmaker Slaps Female Colleague During Live Session (Video)

Amid escalating tensions between ruling and opposition parties in Senegal, a violent altercation erupted in the country’s parliament on Thursday, December 1. The incident unfolded when a male opposition lawmaker physically struck a female colleague, underscoring the growing acrimony in the political landscape.

The animosity between the ruling and opposition factions has been mounting since the ruling party lost its comfortable majority in July’s legislative election. There are concerns that President Macky Sall may attempt to secure a third term in 2024, further exacerbating the political divide.

During the session, opposition member of parliament Massata Samb addressed the assembly regarding comments made by Amy Ndiaye Gniby of the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition over the weekend. Gniby had criticized a spiritual leader opposed to a potential third term for Sall.

As the budget presentation was underway, Massata Samb walked over to Amy Ndiaye Gniby and slapped her, sparking a series of brawls and chaos within the parliamentary chamber.

In response, Gniby retaliated by throwing a chair at Samb, prompting another lawmaker to intervene and tackle her to the ground. The session was subsequently suspended as lawmakers exchanged blows, accusations, and insults.

Watch the video below

#Senegal 🇸🇳Heated debate in Parliament turns into a MMA fight with MPs deliberately assaulting a FEMALE colleague. TF’s wrong with those guys???

— Francis A. Konan (@Francis_A_K) December 2, 2022