The Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs published yesterday a “provisional” list drastically reducing the number of legally recognized media outlets in Senegal. Out of 380 registered companies, only 112 are considered compliant with the Press Code, according to Alioune Sall. For Mamadou Ibra Kane, president of the Council of Press Broadcasters and Publishers of Senegal (Cdeps), this is a “clear abuse of power.”

Following the provisional publication of the list of media registered on the Senegal Media Declaration Platform (Dms) and « recognized » by the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, the Council of Press Broadcasters and Publishers of Senegal (Cdeps) has, organized its response. For Mamadou Ibra Kane, president of the Cdeps, this announcement marks a serious attack on freedom of the press. During a press briefing, he denounced an approach by Minister Alioune Sall that he considers not only « illegal », but also « arbitrary and contrary to the fundamental principles of Senegalese democracy ». « This December 2, 2024 is a macabre date for freedom of the press in Senegal. All the apprehensions that we have had for more than 8 months now of the new regime of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, are justified today. We are scandalized, stunned by the statements of the Minister of Communication, » declared the president of the Cdeps. Mamadou Ibra Kane emphasized that the press release of the minister’s press conference was intended to give a list of press companies that would have the right to operate on Senegalese territory.

Editorial: To the media executioner, Alioune Sall, act less ridiculous and arbitrary

« Out of 380 registered companies, only 112 are deemed to comply with the Press Code. The big problem with Minister Alioune Sall’s approach is that he has completely misunderstood the fact that it is neither the Ministry of Communication nor any administrative authority that can give authorization for the creation of a press company, let alone validate its legal existence, » he insisted, recalling that Article 11 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom to create a press company without prior authorization. According to the head of the daily newspaper Stades, whose publication was suspended due to economic difficulties, Alioune Sall misinterpreted Article 94 of the Press Code, draping himself in a power that is not his.

« It is not the responsibility of the Minister of Communication, or of the government in general, to validate the existence of a media in Senegal. This misunderstanding on the part of the minister allows the illusion of being able to muzzle the Senegalese press. Anyone can understand that these acts are totally illegal and do not comply with either the Constitution of Senegal or the Press Code, » he said.

« We will challenge this decision for abuse of power »
However, in this battle where the 72-hour ultimatum to regularize is combined with resistance, freedom of the press is at stake for its survival. And for Mamadou Ibra Kane and the boss of the private television channel 7Tv, Maïmouna Ndour Faye, the fight has only just begun. « It is not with a simple note that we will be wiped off the map. There is an agenda that they are unfolding. But it is a lost cause. We are going to attack this decision for abuse of power. And nothing can shake us. We are going to fight against this attempt to muzzle the press, » she insisted.

Maïmouna Ndour Faye, 7TV boss: « I cannot remain silent and accept my fate »

According to her, this decision is part of a series of manoeuvres aimed at suffocating the media. « This project is underhand. Blocking bank accounts, cancelling contracts with the State, freezing payments… and now, this. But let them know that we will not give in, » promised Maïmouna Ndour Faye, whose absence from this list has provoked a wave of questions. « What is non-compliance? Why are leading media targeted? Le Quotidien, 7Tv, Sen Tv… » For her, this selection is anything but innocent. « They want docile sounding boards. We are not. And we will fight. We cannot be against the regularization of the sector. The sector needs to be regulated. But we want to understand on what basis this compliance was established, » she asked. Very much in spirit, she warns the Council for the observation of ethics and professional conduct (Cored). « Let the Cored take its responsibilities. And I ask Mamadou Thior not to be an accomplice in this murder, » she warned.

By Ousmane SOW 

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH