In Senegal, the leadership of the Institut Cheikhou Oumar Foutiyou Tall has publicly denied allegations of a paedophilia scandal within the boarding facilities of the Omarienne Mosque in Dakar, stating that any incidents reported involved only minors and occurred in 2022.
The institute’s direction issued a formal statement refuting claims disseminated by certain media outlets and social media platforms that suggested adult staff members were implicated in acts of a sexual nature against minors. According to the statement, no educator or supervisor from the institution has been incriminated or involved in paedophilic acts or offences against nature.
The direction clarified that the facts under discussion date back to 2022 and concern an incident exclusively involving minors among themselves. It further noted that three of the children concerned have formally denied the facts as reported in the media.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the institute emphasized that an investigation is currently underway to establish the exact circumstances of the incident. It reaffirmed its full cooperation with the competent authorities and stated that internal disciplinary measures had been taken following the discovery of the facts to address any potential shortcomings in supervision, in accordance with the institution’s rules and out of a sense of responsibility.
The Omarienne Mosque, located in Dakar, is a prominent religious and educational institution in Senegal, known for its Quranic school and boarding facilities that serve students from across the country. The institute attached to the mosque provides both religious and general education, and has historically been regarded as a respected center of learning in West Africa.
Reports from local media, including Dakaractu.com and Thiesinfo, had indicated that five individuals were placed in police custody in connection with the allegations, including one adult supervisor and four minor boarders. However, the institute’s leadership maintains that the incident does not involve any of its educators and that the matter remains under judicial review.
In Senegal, acts of paedophilia and sexual offences against minors are punishable under the penal code, which was recently revised to increase penalties for such crimes. Offences can carry sentences of up to ten years’ imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and the age of the victim.
The institute has urged the public to await the outcome of the official investigation before drawing conclusions, stressing its commitment to the protection, education, and well-being of the children entrusted to its care. It has pledged to continue cooperating fully with judicial authorities to clarify the situation.
As of the date of the statement, no official charges have been publicly confirmed against any individual linked to the institute, and the status of those detained remains subject to the ongoing judicial process. The direction reiterated its confidence in the justice system to determine the truth based on verified evidence.
The case has drawn attention to the safeguarding practices within religious educational institutions in Senegal and has prompted broader discussions about child protection mechanisms in similar establishments nationwide. Observers have noted the importance of transparent investigations and institutional accountability in maintaining public trust.
For updates on the judicial proceedings, the public is advised to follow official communications from the Senegalese Ministry of Justice or the Dakar prosecutor’s office, which are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.
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