Senegalese Media Protests Government Economic Measures

Senegalese media organizations initiated a national news blackout on Tuesday to protest against what they perceive as threats to press freedom under the new government led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Many newspapers did not publish, and popular radio stations opted to play music instead of news, reflecting widespread discontent within the industry. The Senegalese Council of Press Distributors and Publishers (CDEPS) highlighted issues such as the freezing of media companies' bank accounts, seizure of production equipment, and termination of advertising contracts as tactics to control information. Journalists expressed fears of a deteriorating working environment, with some facing job losses due to economic pressures exacerbated by government actions. The media blackout aimed to draw attention to these challenges and pressure the government to address the ongoing crisis. Under the current administration, Senegal's ranking in press freedom has declined significantly, prompting calls for immediate reforms.