Breaking News: Senegalese Press Faces Catastrophic Financial Crisis, Urgent Regulation Needed
In a urgent address on IRADIO on June 22, 2025, Amadou Ibra Kane, President of the Council of Diffusers and Press Publishers of Senegal (CDEPS), painted a grim picture of the state of the Senegalese press. The sector is in a catastrophic financial crisis, with numerous companies on the brink of bankruptcy and deep in debt.
Debt Accumulation and International Pressure
According to Kane, the situation has worsened significantly since the COVID-19 crisis, with press companies struggling to meet their financial obligations. As of December 31, 2023, the tax debt of all public and private press companies amounted to a staggering 10.5 billion CFA francs. The written press sector, in particular, is heavily reliant on the supply of newspapers, which represents several billion CFA francs annually.
“The situation of the Senegalese press is catastrophic, this June 22, 2025. The companies are indebted. Many companies are in bankruptcy. This is the reason why they are prosecuted to pay their debts. These are very serious creditors, especially internationally. For example, the written press sector cannot work without the supply of newspaper. This represents several billion CFA francs per year,” said Kane.
The Impact on Employees and Democracy
The financial turmoil has not only affected the companies but also their employees. Press companies owe huge debts to their workers, and the new diet has exacerbated the situation. Kane emphasized that the press plays a crucial role in maintaining social stability and democracy in Senegal. However, if nothing is done, the country risks losing a press that, despite its limitations, has been instrumental in preserving these values.
“This situation is dangerous for Senegal, for democracy, and for all public service missions. And today, they are honored at only 10 %. This is why this situation urgently calls for regulation, as did the President of the Republic by summoning consultation with media actors on this subject. Indeed, if nothing is done, Senegal risks losing a press which, despite its limits, helped us preserve our social stability. It is the place to congratulate yourself on these concertation days. We are already in the abyss,” he said.
Call for Urgent Action
Kane’s call for urgent regulation and support for the press sector is a wake-up call for the government and the public. The future of journalism in Senegal hangs in the balance, and immediate action is needed to prevent a full-blown crisis. The press is not just a business; it is a vital component of a healthy democracy, and its survival is crucial for the well-being of the nation.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for more updates on this developing story. We will continue to bring you the latest news and insights on the state of the Senegalese press and the efforts being made to address the current crisis.
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