During the traditional presentation of the complaints to the President of the Republic, the secretary general of Syndicate of Information and communication Professionals of Senegal (SYNPICS) delivered a remarkable speech, imbued with determination and hope for a truly independent Senegalese press.
Faced with the Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Fayeto the Prime Minister Ousmane Sonkoto members of the government and to representatives of the unions, he launched a Clear call for a deep breakup in media governance. According to him, national sovereignty inevitably involves a press freed from any form of pressure.
“A free press cannot exist if it is subject to economic or political pressures,” he said.
The unionist denounced the persistent dysfunctions : unpaid wages in the public sector, ignored reclassifications, arbitrary changes, and in the private sector, the lack of social coverage, remuneration delays and non-compliance with the collective agreement.
Three axes to rebuild the media sector
The SG of Synpics, freshly elected in April, declined the vision of its office around Three large pillars :
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Structural independence : Advocacy for neutral regulation, transparency of funding and a rigorous application of professional statutes.
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Promotion of trades : Recognition of journalists and technicians by guaranteed rights and contracts in accordance with legislation.
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Ethical digital revolution : support for the digital transition while respecting a rigorous ethics.
A national ambition for a press of excellence
Beyond the claims, the union offers a ambitious vision : make Senegal a African reference in terms of press freedom and valuation of media professionals. He invites the president to make World Press Freedom Day a strong symbol of renewal.
But this vision cannot be freed from certain emergencies:
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Budget 2024 de la Cored always blocked.
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Persistent inactivity of the self -regulation organ.
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Press cards absence For a year.
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Delay in the application of media seatsyet handed over since November.
A clear denunciation of institutional blockages
The last part of the speech pointed out a particularly controversial decision: the ministerial decree prohibiting publication or dissemination at 381 media. The union sees a real suffocation of freedom of expressionan “institutional sabotage” heavy with consequences for the profession.
“In this museum that has become our sector, job creation begins with the preservation of those that exist,” he insisted.
Direct arrest at the top of the state
In conclusion, the secretary general of the Synpics urged The President of the Republic to position himself as the guarantor of democracyby restoring the Senegalese press ways to fulfill its public service mission.
“Long live Senegal!” Long live the freedom of the press! Long live media and communication professionals! »»
A committed and uncompromising speech, which places the press at the center of the challenges of sovereignty. It remains to be seen whether the executive will answer this call with concrete actions.
