Astou Pierre, a 40-year-old woman from Dakar, Senegal, has died after a prolonged hospital stay due to severe acid burns inflicted by her ex-boyfriend, Badara Guèye. The attack occurred in June at her workplace, a restaurant in Amitié 3, where she was splashed with acid and suffered third-degree burns over most of her body.
According to reports, Badara Guèye, a former delivery man, had been stalking Astou Pierre after their breakup. He had threatened to finish her off and vitriol her face if he got the chance. The police had taken these threats seriously and posted a guard outside her hospital room. Despite medical efforts, including grafts, Astou Pierre succumbed to her injuries on Thursday evening.
The attack happened when Badara Guèye arrived at the restaurant on a motorcycle and threw acid at Astou Pierre, who was having lunch with colleagues. One of her colleagues was also injured in the attack, suffering burns on her foot. Badara Guèye reportedly fled the scene and has been on the run since, with reports suggesting he may have escaped to Morocco.
Astou Pierre's family and friends describe Badara Guèye as someone who had become a part of their family. He would often join them for meals and was considered close to Astou Pierre. However, behind the façade of friendship, he harbored a darker obsession, repeatedly threatening Astou Pierre with the phrase "Si tu n'es pas à moi, tu ne seras à aucun homme" (If you're not mine, you won't be anyone's).
The motive behind the acid attack is believed to be Badara Guèye's inability to accept the end of their relationship. Astou Pierre's loved ones expressed shock and grief over her death, stating that she was "killed" and that it was a "murder." They demand justice for her death and an end to the violence against women in Senegal.
Astou Pierre's case has sparked widespread outrage and concern about the rising cases of violence against women in Senegal. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by women who are victims of domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect them.
The police are still searching for Badara Guèye, who is considered the prime suspect in Astou Pierre's murder. His whereabouts are currently unknown, but it is believed that he may be hiding in Morocco. The authorities have urged anyone with information about his location to come forward and assist in bringing him to justice.
Key points
- Astou Pierre died on October 5, 2026, after a prolonged hospital stay due to severe acid burns inflicted by her ex-boyfriend.
- The acid attack occurred in June 2026 at Astou Pierre's workplace, a restaurant in Amitié 3, Dakar.
- The motive behind the attack is believed to be the ex-boyfriend's inability to accept the end of their relationship.
