A Senegalese MP beats his colleague in parliament and sends her to the hospital

Chaos erupted in Senegal's parliament on Thursday after a lawmaker punched a female colleague in scenes that were televised live.

Parliamentary proceedings were interrupted during the presentation of the budget after opposition MP Massata Samb left the podium and walked towards Amy Ndiaye Gniby of the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar coalition to punch her.

In retaliation, Ms. Gniby threw a chair at Mr. Samb, before other MPs intervened, but the chaos continued, with lawmakers exchanging blows, leading to the suspension of the session.

Local media report that Mr. Samb reminded the House of remarks Ms. Gniby had made earlier which he described as "discourteous".

Ms. Gniby would then have replied from her seat that she "didn't care". Mr. Samb then interrupted his speech and rushed towards her.

44% of seats in the country's newly elected legislature are held by women.

Following elections in July, 73 of the 165 parliamentary seats will now be held by women, the highest proportion of any country in the region.