As a prelude to the celebration of the European Union day, this Friday, May 9, the ambassador Jean-Marc Pisani made a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Senegalese press and publications (SSPP) “Le Soleil”. He reaffirmed his commitment to support the efforts of state authorities for the consolidation of a free, equipped press and capable of dealing with the challenges of digitalization.
The Ambassador of the European Union (EU), Jean-Marc Pisani, took advantage yesterday from a visit to the Senegalese press and publications (SSPP) “the sun”, to greet the dynamism of the Senegalese press, in particular the national daily newspaper “Le Soleil” which operated, in his eyes, an important turning point in this digital era. The EU having registered the fight against disinformation to the rank of its priorities, for the diplomat, it is necessary to strengthen the synergy of actions in order to establish a balanced and healthy media environment. He believes that this is a requirement to guarantee democracy and sustainable development. “The media must adapt to the digital revolution, but we are playing in a world where information and disinformation are intertwined. However, it is important to strengthen the credibility of journalists and enable them to properly exercise their profession, “said Jean-Marc Pisani, recalling the efforts made by the EU in the fight against disinformation, but also cooperation with Senegal. The director general of the SSSP “Le Soleil”, Lamine Niang, was delighted with this visit which testifies to the interest given to the evolution of the press which he describes as “important development lever”.
He considers that a partnership with the EU will better popularize the actions carried out within the framework of multilateral cooperation which has continued to intensify in recent years. He took the opportunity to discuss the initiatives developed by the national daily newspaper which confirms his position as reference media on the sub-regional, but also planetary scale. Lamine Niang to specify: “We share common values, we want citizens to be awake and aware of the challenges of the hour (…) We bet on innovation, inclusiveness and linguistic diversification”. Continuing, he stressed that “the sun” is trying to better popularize state activities and strives to work for an improvement in the container and editorial content, to more reconcile the Senegalese with their national daily life. In their interventions, the editorial director, Daouda Mané, and his assistant Maliuck Ciss, highlighted the role played by “Le Soleil” which celebrates, this year, its 55 years of existence.
Mateel Bocoum
