The Council of Broadcasters and Press Publishers of Senegal (CDEPS) sounded the alarm on January 22, 2025, during a press conference held in Dakar. The observation is clear: the Senegalese press sector is going through a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Between chronic financial difficulties and political decisions perceived as unfavorable, the survival of many media companies is seriously compromised.
An unprecedented economic crisis
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, press companies have continued to find themselves in an alarming economic situation. In 2024, a year marked by the advent of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, the situation has further deteriorated. The CDEPS points out government measures deemed “disabling”, notably suffocating taxation and the ban on public companies advertising in private media, which deprives the latter of a crucial source of income.
This crisis has disastrous human consequences: hundreds of jobs are threatened, social security contributions are no longer regularly paid, and health coverage for workers is becoming an inaccessible luxury. The situation is becoming untenable for companies and their employees, casting a shadow over the future of the Senegalese press.
A call for collective responsibility
For the CDEPS, the weakening of the press is a direct threat to Senegalese democracy, often cited as a model in Africa. “Senegal needs a republican, free and independent press,” recalled the council, emphasizing the central role of the media in the popularization of public policies and the strengthening of citizen awareness.
-Faced with this emergency, the CDEPS invites all actors in society – citizens, religious, politicians, civil society and international partners – to join forces to create an environment favorable to strengthening press freedom. This plea is also addressed to President Diomaye Diakhar Faye, who mentioned, during a Council of Ministers in August 2024, his desire for a “renewed dialogue with the press”. A promise that the CDEPS now urges to come true.
The press, a pillar for stability and development
In a context of political and social tensions, the CDEPS recalls that the press remains a guarantee of stability and development. A free and independent press is essential to guarantee better living together, strengthened democracy and lasting political stability.
The message is clear: the survival of the media sector is a collective responsibility. Senegal, proud of its democratic reputation, cannot afford to let one of its fundamental pillars sink. The CDEPS calls for urgent actions to prevent the decline of the press from becoming irreversible.
