Extradition of Madiambal Diagne: Senegal responds, France goes on the offensive

French Ambassador to Senegal, Mrs. Christine Fages, clarified France’s position on the extradition case of Senegalese journalist Madiambal Diagne on the program “En Vérité” on the International Senegalese Broadcasting Television RSI. Mrs. Fages denied any French executive responsibility, stating extradition is a judicial, not political, matter. She emphasized that the Court of Appeal of Versailles is the sole competent jurisdiction and no decision has been made. Mrs. Fages noted that extradition procedures typically take one to one and a half years in France, considering the current delay normal. She expressed surprise at Dakar’s temporary suspension of extraditions to France. Mrs. Fages confirmed constant contact between the Justice Ministries of both countries and revealed France has awaited a French national’s extradition from Senegal since 2022, without impacting bilateral relations. She characterized the Madiambal Diagne case as a “legal matter” and sees no friction threatening Franco-Senegalese cooperation. The ambassador reiterated that the journalist’s alleged actions are criminal, not criminal, and France awaits the independent decision of justice.