Senegal was marked by the death of Pape Ibrahim Gueye, called Papito Kara on social networks. Known for his humorous press reviews, he died aboard an illegal canoe bound for the Spanish Canary Islands while the country is experiencing a massive departure of migrants this year.
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With our correspondent in Dakar, Théa Ollivier
Frozen to death on the road to the Canary Islands alongside five other people, Papito Kara set off in complete secrecy from Kayar on October 24. The 31-year-old young man who worked in the media such as Leral TV was known for his satirical press reviews, often critical of the regime in place, which were followed by his 147,000 subscribers on Facebook.
Married in July 2022, he was arrested a few weeks later for spreading false news. He was released under judicial supervision in January 2023. “ He left because he was discouraged », Testifies his big brother Mamadou Gueye.
A tailor by training, Papito Kara also had a business in livestock breeding. “ He was known in public space, he had the future ahead of him », Testifies Daouda Mbaye, a colleague from Leral TV, who does not understand why he wanted to leave.
“ It was complicated in Dakar, he was afraid of being arrested again since his release from prison », Estimates Matar Ndiaye, another of his brothers. Member of the opposition party Pastef, “ Papito Kara fought for the good of his country “, according to him.
Several political figures such as former Prime Minister Aminata Touré or Pastef’s communications manager, El Malick Ndiaye, were outraged by his death and pointed the finger at the government’s responsibility in the massive departures of irregular migrants.
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