ASSAMM highlights mental health deficit in Senegal after Sédhiou teenager's death
via SeneNews5 min read
The tragic killing of a 14-year-old physically and mentally disabled girl in Madina Wandifa, Sédhiou, has brought to light significant shortcomings in mental healthcare provision in Senegal. Ansoumana Dione, president of the Senegalese Association for the Monitoring and Assistance of Mentally Ill Patients ASSAMM, stated that this crime underscores a profound deficit in mental health support in the country. He noted the absence of a national policy to assist families dealing with mental illness, cerebral palsy, or autism. Regional hospitals reportedly lack dedicated services, and medication shortages are frequent, leaving families isolated. Dione also revealed that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declined to meet with ASSAMM, preventing the association from presenting potential solutions. The imam and two women involved in concealing the murder are currently under investigation. ASSAMM views the Sédhiou tragedy not as an isolated incident, but as an indicator of a silent crisis affecting thousands of Senegalese families who feel abandoned by the state.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Senegalese football star Sadio Mané has not announced his international retirement, despite widespread rumors on social media. Viral messages suggesting his retirement after Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup are unconfirmed. According to Sport News Africa, the alleged statement attributed to Mané was generated by artificial intelligence and did not come from him. Journalist Malang Sané, citing sources close to the player, denied the authenticity of the circulating message. Neither Sadio Mané nor the Senegalese Football Federation has officially confirmed any international retirement. The publications announcing his departure are based on viral messages whose authenticity has not been established. Mané's international future remains officially unchanged, with no statement from the player or his official entourage confirming a retirement. This clarification comes amid various rumors surrounding the national team following their elimination against Belgium, fueling discussions about the future of key players in the Senegalese squad.
Morocco was eliminated from the World Cup quarter-finals by France, with Didier Deschamps' team dominating the match. Several Moroccan players, including Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bilal El Khannouss, and Brahim Díaz, were substituted after failing to make an impact. Captain Achraf Hakimi, a defender for Paris Saint-Germain, has received significant criticism for his performance. He struggled to project forward and was involved in the play that led to France's penalty. Moroccan media outlet Sport360 rated his performance 4.5/10, noting he left spaces defensively and offered little offensively. Al Massae newspaper also criticized Hakimi, stating he was "far from his usual level" and ineffective on set pieces. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged France's superiority, citing their strong play on the wings and effective transitions. Some Moroccan supporters also criticized Hakimi's post-match demeanor, specifically images of him smiling with his Paris Saint-Germain teammates, which they felt showed a lack of disappointment after the elimination.
Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, has expressed profound sadness following the passing of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, who died on July 9, 2026. Sonko paid tribute to the religious leader, highlighting his warm welcome and human qualities during their numerous meetings. Sonko learned of the death of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké, the Caliph of the Khassim Mbacké family of Guinguinéo, with deep emotion and great sadness. He recalled the particular affection, warm welcome, and benevolence shown by the deceased at each of their encounters. Sonko extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the General Caliph of the Mourides, the religious community of Guinguinéo, and the entire Senegalese people. He prayed for Allah to grant him forgiveness and welcome him into eternal paradise. The death of Serigne Abdou Bakhi Mbacké has caused significant emotion within the Mouride community and in several parts of the country, where many tributes continue to be paid to this respected religious figure.