Senegal media fight may threaten press freedoms

Significance

This ‘day without the press’ sought to call attention to what the media describes as existentially threatening tax burdens and a lack of government support for a sector beset with financial difficulties. The press strike comes amid deeper tensions between the media and the government of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

Impacts

• Faye’s reputation as a democrat may deflect serious scrutiny over the media issue by Senegal's Western partners.
• Anti-government protests are more likely to break out over livelihood issues rather than over more abstract media freedoms.
• The government will benefit from the lack of a popular opposition figure who can challenge it.