Ousmane Sonko and Freedom of the Press in Senegal: A Fragile Balance
Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Senegal and leader of the PASTEF party, is at the heart of a growing controversy regarding his relationship with the Senegalese press. As Sonko and his party seek to transform the country’s political and economic landscape, his recent statements and actions have raised concerns about the future of press freedom, a democratic pillar often considered the fourth power.
A Context of Tensions
Since his political rise, Ousmane Sonko has been a polarizing figure. His sovereignist speech and his ascertive criticisms against the political and economic elites have earned him massive support among young people and the underprivileged. However, his relations with the press have often been tense. In June 2024, in a statement to the youth of his party, Sonko said: “We will no longer allow the media to write what they want about people, in the name of so-called freedom of the press, without any reliable source”. These remarks have been perceived as a threat by many media professionals, already plagued by economic difficulties and political pressure.
The Senegalese Press in Danger
Freedom of the press in Senegal has experienced a significant decline in recent years. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Senegal fell from 49th to 94th place in the world press freedom ranking between 2021 and 2024. This degradation is attributed to a series of assaults, arrests of journalists and media suspensions under the previous administration of Macky Sall. Despite a slight improvement in 2025, where Senegal climbed to 74th place, concerns persist about the sustainability of this progression.
The Senegalese media face major economic challenges, with difficulties in covering their operational costs and obtaining sufficient advertising revenues. The Council of Press Broadcasters and Publishers in Senegal (Cdeps) has denounced government measures such as the blocking of bank accounts of press companies for non-payment of taxes, the unilateral termination of advertising contracts and the freezing of payments due to the media. These actions are perceived as attempts to control information and domesticate media actors.
Reactions and Issues
Faced with these pressures, the Senegalese press organized a “day without press” in August 2024 to alert to the difficulties of the sector. This initiative, widely followed by newspapers, radio and television, aimed to raise public awareness and authorities of the importance of press freedom for democracy.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March 2024, called for “reorganization measures” from the press, stressing the importance of a professional, responsible and respectful press of the rule of law. However, the details of these measures remain unclear, and media professionals are waiting for concrete actions to ensure their independence and economic viability.
Conclusion
The relationship between Ousmane Sonko and the Senegalese press illustrates the tensions inherent in Senegal’s political and economic transition. While Sonko and his party are seeking to establish a “New Senegal”, it is crucial to strike a balance between the need for reform and respect for fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press. The international community and human rights organizations will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation, hoping that Senegal can regain its place as a stronghold of press freedom in Africa.
In this context, it is essential that all stakeholders — government, media and civil society — work together to ensure a free, independent and sustainable media environment, essential to the consolidation of Senegalese democracy.
PSKA
SAMBA KARA NDIAYE
DIRPUB
