The Council of Broadcasters and Press Publishers of Senegal (CDEPS) strongly criticized the recent appointments within the National Audiovisual Regulatory Council (CNRA).
In a press release published today, the CDEPS denounces serious irregularities in this process, jeopardizing the independence of this regulatory body.
According to the CDEPS, the decree appointing the members of the CNRA, signed on December 11, contains several anomalies including “the attack on the competence of the President of the Republic, the non-compliance with the duration of the mandate, the lack of independence”.
The CDEPS recalls that the appointment of members of the CNRA falls within the sole competence of the President and not of the Minister of Communication.
A growing climate of tension in the media sector
He also emphasizes that the mandate of CNRA members is six years, non-renewable and non-revocable, he declared, judging these new appointments illegal.
According to Mamadou Ibra Kane, the CNRA is supposed to be an independent authority but the new members do not meet this criterion, particularly in terms of political affiliation.
Furthermore, the CDEPS denounces a series of attacks on press freedom since the coming to power of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.
The press release underlines that these actions endanger the stability of Senegal, the media having a crucial role to play in the democratic life of the country and calls on the authorities to respect the law and to guarantee an environment conducive to the exercise of journalism.
Senegalese media demand more guarantees
In addition, he calls for greater transparency in the appointment processes within regulatory bodies.
The CDEPS also calls for the establishment of a High Authority for the Regulation of Audiovisual Communication (HARCA), in accordance with the texts in force.
This new body should guarantee better independence and greater representativeness of all players in the sector.
He also denounces a new attack on press freedom in Senegal.
