Chaos erupted in the Senegalese parliament on Thursday after a male lawmaker hit a female colleague on the head in scenes that were televised live.
Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted during a budget presentation, after opposition member of parliament Massata Samb left the podium and walked over to Amy Ndiaye Gniby of the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition and hit her.
In retaliation, Ms Gniby threw a chair back at Mr Samb, before other MPs intervened, however the chaos did not stop as the lawmakers traded blows, leading to the suspension of the session.
Local media reports that Mr Samb reminded the house of remarks Ms Gniby had made earlier which he said were "discourteous".
Ms Gniby is then said to have replied from her seat that she "did not care".
Then, Mr Samb cut short his speech and rushed towards her.
Since a July legislative election where the ruling party lost its comfortable majority, there has been tension between the ruling and opposition politicians.
Latest Stories
-
100 Most Reputable Africans: John Mahama, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Rosa Duncan-Williams make 2025 list
18 minutes -
How 2 Mandela Fellows are fighting period poverty through social entrepreneurship initiatives
23 minutes -
Parliament swears in three disputed NPP MPs despite court case by NDC
39 minutes -
Inauguration of the 9th parliament and election of speaker (photos)
39 minutes -
All set for John & Jane’s historic Swearing-in
55 minutes -
Powerful Tibet earthquake, near Nepal, kills at least 53
2 hours -
Over 2,000 refugees, migrants die reaching Europe in 2024, says UN
2 hours -
Giuliani held in contempt of court in $148m defamation case
2 hours -
Mahama set to be sworn in for second term after landslide victory
2 hours -
The biggest regret of the NPP is going to be this:
3 hours -
Driver survives gunshots by highway robbers on Dambai-Asukawkaw road
4 hours -
Son arrested for allegedly killing mother with pestle after history of threats
4 hours -
Why Apple is offering rare iPhone discounts in China
5 hours -
Bawumia bids farewell, thanks Ghanaians for 8 years of support
5 hours -
NDC names Bernard Ahiafor as First Deputy Speaker; Asiamah returns as Second Deputy
5 hours