A serious incident has shaken the Senegalese Consulate in Milan. Recently appointed vice-consul, Sophie Diatta Ndiaye, also vice-coordinator of Pastef in Italy, was the victim of a violent attack by a driver at the consulate. She was left with a seven-day sick leave and has filed a complaint, reports Libération.

According to our information, the incident occurred last Thursday. While she was on the phone, Sophie Diatta Ndiaye heard loud noises in the corridors. She then left her office to ask the employees to speak more quietly, insisting that the Consulate welcomes Senegalese people and must set an exemplary image.

The situation quickly escalated, with the individuals informing her that just because she was a member of Pastef, she couldn’t speak to them in that tone. Despite Sophie Diatta Ndiaye’s explanations, trying to make them understand that her political affiliation had nothing to do with her remark, one of her interlocutors, a driver by profession, violently grabbed her hand before twisting it, while holding her neck. The ordeal lasted for a few minutes. During this time, other employees urged the driver to “educate” the vice-consul, while she struggled to breathe, as highlighted by Libération.

According to the newspaper, this incident is not an isolated case. Several sources indicate that there have been ongoing tensions in several consulates since the appointment of Pastef officials to vice-consul positions. Contacted by phone yesterday by Libération, Sophie Diatta Ndiaye stated: “At the moment, I cannot comment on this case.”