Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: The perceived bias in favor of Pastef and Prime Minister Ousman Sonko in the Gambia is seen as a disservice to press freedom, lacking the solidarity and support previously shown to the Gambian press under Yahya Jammeh’s rule. A hallmark of emerging dictatorships is typically the suppression of the independent press, which aims to intimidate journalists and stifle dissent. Regrettably, the new administration in Senegal seems to be adopting this concerning approach. Recent events have shown that media organizations in Senegal organized a blackout day to protest against what they claim is a government crackdown aimed directly at them, undermining press freedom.
The crackdown involves the freezing of media companies’ bank accounts, confiscation of production equipment, and the unilateral termination of advertising contracts. Such measures have sparked serious concerns regarding the future of press freedom in what is considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies. The Senegalese Council of Press Distributors and Publishers has emphasized that the press is undergoing one of its most challenging periods in history.
Fatoumatta:The politics of populism, paranoia, bravado, and revenge pose significant threats to the foundations of democracy. These approaches undermine principles and institutions, leading to instability and erosion of public trust. Populist leaders often exploit societal divisions and present themselves as the sole voice of the “common people” against a corrupt elite. While this resonates with disenfranchised voters, it often leads to oversimplified solutions to complex problems and undermines democratic institutions by concentrating power in the hands of a single leader or party. This approach fosters a climate of fear and suspicion. Leaders use paranoia as a tool to escape certain groups or individuals, creating an “us vs. them” mentality. This leads to the erosion of civil liberties, increased surveillance, and the suppression of dissent.
Prime Minister Ousman Sonko’s political bravado entails leaders projecting an image of strength and decisiveness, often at the expense of thoughtful deliberation and collaboration and threatening critics and dissenters. This behavior can lead to rash decisions, disregard for democratic processes, and a lack of accountability. Politics by revenge focuses on settling scores rather than serving the public good. Those who engage in revenge politics prioritize personal vendetta over policy-making, resulting in divisive and destructive governance.
These political approaches erode public trust in democratic institutions. When leaders prioritize their own interests and use fear and division as tools, citizens lose faith in the system’s ability to represent and protect them. Populism, paranoia, bravado, and revenge often lead to the weakening of independent institutions such as the judiciary, press, and electoral bodies. This undermines the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy. These politics exacerbate societal divisions, making it difficult to achieve consensus and cooperation. polarization can lead to increased conflict and instability. Leaders who rely on these tactics often suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression. This stifles healthy debate and the exchange of ideas, which are crucial for a vibrant democracy.
Since Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko assumed power, he has been outspoken, condemning press outlets and journalists, accusing them of what he calls “misappropriation of funds” in the industry and warning against falsehoods spread by journalists. This rhetoric, along with the government’s actions, has led to a sharp decline in Senegal’s position on the World Press Freedom Index, falling from 49th to 94th place within three years.
However, the international community, local citizens, and the Gambian media fraternity must remain vigilant and advocate for the protection of press freedoms. Independent press is crucial in holding power and ensuring the public is well. Without such a press, democracy is at risk.
Fatoumatta: The new Senegalese authorities have issues, or vendas, with the press. They made their clear upon arrival by imposing suffocating tax pressure, freezing the bank accounts of certain press houses, issuing, and conducting smear campaigns specific journalists and press owners, among other actions. This very press, which once brought them to power, is now considered an enemy of the Republic, the Nation, the People—a threat. Consequently, strategies must be devised to undermine it, ensuring it does not desecrate the new orthodoxy.the men
The Minister of Communication, notorious for his poor communication, has made a statement that is a disgrace to democratic values, enumerating the media outlets recognized—or rather, sanctioned—by the Senegalese State. In what seems to be an effort to discredit a substantial segment of the press, he has forsaken all decorum and dignity. His conduct is verging on the arbitrary and the absurd.
Following the fiscal stranglehold – and it is not to suggest that the press should be exempt tax obligations – the designation of “recognized media is now used discredit andilitate those unfortunate enough lack recognition due to their steadfast and unyielding integrity. Thus, a media outlet is deemed legitimate only if it secures the endorsement of the ruling powers.
Fatoumatta: To the dismay of all who are sincere and fail comprehend, the dissenters of the new that is, iconoclasts and spirits – Sen TV, 7Tv, and Le Quotidien – are outrightly spurned and dismissed. It becomes imperative to devise a method to silence them, to stifle their voices.
Le Quotidien in particular haunts the regime. To make it disappear is Pastef’s goal. For a long time, and still now, the false idea has been conveyed that this media is paid for and affiliated with small groups. It is this lying rhetoric that has been inoc into Pastef’s collective imagination. Now in power, the objective is obvious: to eradicate periodicalThe same goes for 7Tv. is the same approach of demon without reason. Maïmouna Ndour Faye, too, is a figure to be conjured up because she represents for them, according to their Manichean vision of the world, absolute evil.
But let there no mistake: a certain truth the one that is accepted and recognized, will continue to exist in spite of everything, despite theent desire for inhibition of new decision-makers at the top of the Republic.
Pastef seeks, quite evidently, to sort and select the media that will accompany our message. The “rooming” here is a form of extermination of certain distant media. Like a total machine, thought for these individuals is only expressed in the singular. Those the audacity to express in the plural will be silenced even informal editorial lines, apparently pious, will appear from Monday to Saturday and some on Sunday. We must ourselves with finding subfuge and quibbles to suppress them. It is a wasted effort. There is no power in the country capable of standardizing the press, of turning into a horde of yes-men.
Pastef must ensure that unfavorable opinions are expressed; it is in its interest. The Pastefian state, managed according to Pastef’s methods and thought, will benefit more by allowing the press, regardless of its editorial orientation, to itself freely and responsibly. shenanigans only tarnish the image of our democracy, and they are not to its glory.
It must be remembered that the majority of states, regardless of their political regimes, share a common trait: shame. Even autocratic states out of modesty, adorn themselves with democratic attributes and avoid, to some extent, engaging in more or less legitimate fights. This is especially true for a democracy like ours.
Fatoumatta: As I write these lines, I have learned with a heart that journalists have been summoned to the police following a complaint from Ousman Sonko. He has only one obsession: to take (for what reason?) on the journalist or the politician. Our thoughts are with them. Let them hold on, as usual. These maneuvers will never prevail over the great Senegalese that they are. They speak imperatively.
Fatoumatta: Protecting democracy requires the rejection of populism, paranoia, bravado, and revenge in politics. We should instead foster governance that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable, with a focus on the common good rather than personal ambition. This approach will help us create a stronger and fairer democratic society.
