Senegal: Media professionals worried about the exercise of their profession

Since the clashes that broke out in Senegal following the arrest of Ousmane Sonko, journalists have been complaining about a climate of insecurity for the practice of their profession.

In Senegal, journalists organised a sit-in in front of the Ministry of Culture and Communication in Dakar on Monday 3 May. On the occasion of the International Press Freedom Day, journalists were keen to point out the censorship and insecurity that has characterised the practice of their profession for the past few months.

Indeed, in the aftermath of the arrest of the opponent Ousmane Sonko, many journalists have been attacked. Since then, professional organisations have been asking the state to help restore some security for press workers. The situation has even caused Senegal to fall two places (to 49th) in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

The authorities have, however, recently communicated on the subject by mentioning the new regulation of social networks. It is not impossible that the entire media landscape will be regulated differently.