The recent arrest of two prominent journalists in Senegal has triggered widespread alarm over the country’s deteriorating press freedoms and rising authoritarianism.

Maimouna Ndour Faye, founder of 7TV, and Babacar Fall, anchor at RFM, were detained after conducting an interview with Madiambal Diagne, a veteran journalist and publisher of Le Quotidien, currently living in exile in France.

The arrests were accompanied by police raids on media studios, signal blackouts, and the detention of at least five media professionals, including technical staff.

Reports also indicate that Diagne’s wife and son—who manages his newspaper—have been taken into custody, allegedly used as leverage to force his return. If confirmed, these actions amount to political hostage-taking.

“This is not journalism under scrutiny—it is journalism under siege,” said Alagi Yorro Jallow, journalist emeritus and civic architect.

“Senegal’s leadership is criminalizing truth-telling and dismantling the democratic safeguards that protect civil liberties.”

The government of President Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has faced growing criticism for its populist rhetoric and authoritarian reflexes.

The Syndicat des Professionnels de l’Information et de la Communication du Sénégal (SYNPICS) condemned the arrests, calling for immediate transparency and respect for constitutional protections.

Senegal’s Code of the Press guarantees journalists the right to report on matters of public interest.

Interviewing a controversial figure—even one facing legal action—is not a crime. In democratic societies, such interviews are standard practice and protected under freedom of expression.

International observers, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), are being urged to monitor the situation closely and demand accountability.

CALL TO ACTION:
• Immediate release of detained journalists and media staff

• Restoration of broadcast signals and protection of media outlets

• Independent investigation into alleged hostage-taking

• Regional and international pressure to uphold press freedom in Senegal