Since the advent of the 3rd Political Change in March 2024, the media sector has been going through a deep crisis. In question, a series of economic and administrative decisions which, according to the CDEPS, reflect a clear desire of the Bassirou Diomaye Faye regime to marginalize private press companies.
“We are facing a thoughtful strategy to liquidate the private press in Senegal,” Mamadou Ibra Kane insisted to the journalists gathered on the scene. The employers denounce in particular the refusal of tax relief for press companies affected by the Covid-19 crisis, the absence of moratoriums, and legal proceedings having led to the blocking of the bank accounts of several media outlets.
The financial situation of media companies has deteriorated considerably, aggravated by the State’s refusal to settle its debts to private media. “The state owes us several billions, but refuses to pay. Worse still, the advertising contracts were unilaterally canceled, and the press subsidies for the year 2024 were not paid,” underlined the president of the CDEPS.
These economic measures are coupled, according to the CDEPS, with an administrative offensive aimed at restricting freedom of expression. From now on, only media recognized by the Ministry of Communication are authorized to operate, thus excluding many private companies.
The refusal of access to the Maison de la Presse this morning is seen as an escalation in tensions between the government and media actors. Despite attempts to dialogue with the authorities, professionals in the sector say they are faced with a wall. “We informed the director of the Maison de la Presse as usual, but neither he nor his services responded. It is a clear desire to stifle our voices,” lamented Mamadou Ibra Kane.
-This situation raises concerns about the future of press freedom in Senegal, a country long considered a democratic model in West Africa. The CDEPS calls for national and international mobilization to denounce what it considers to be an attempt to stifle media pluralism.
The CDEPS calls on President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his government to review their policy towards the media. “The press is a pillar of democracy. To deprive it of resources and freedoms is to threaten the whole of Senegalese society,” concluded Mamadou Ibra Kane.
As the media sector continues to fight for survival, eyes are turning to the international community and press freedom organizations for crucial support. The battle to preserve the independence and plurality of information in Senegal has only just begun….
