Gambiaj.com – The transcript of the questions that Senegalese police Special Cybersecurity Division agents asked journalist Cheikh Yérim Seck, who was detained and then freed for questioning Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s economic estimates regarding Senegal’s public finances, is published verbatim in The Gambia Journal. The issue, which is caught between charges of defamation and journalistic ethics, has turned into a hot potato in Senegal’s continuing conflict over press freedom. The transcript of Cheikh Yerim’s conversation with Special Cybersecurity Division agents is provided below.

Question: After listening to the extract from the video of the program “L’hôte de MNF sur la 7TV” on 7TV, which highlights your statements, can you explain the context in which you made these statements that contradict the figures announced by the Prime Minister?

Cheikh Yérim Seck (CYS): I made these statements during the program “L’hôte de MNF sur la 7TV,” hosted by journalist Mamouna Ndour Faye.

Question: Could you briefly summarize the figures discussed in the video extract?

CYS: I did not provide any specific figures. I simply challenged the figures given by the Prime Minister regarding the public deficit and the debt-to-GDP ratio.

Question: Was your intention to question the accuracy of these figures or express a personal opinion?

CYS: I was expressing my personal opinion and questioning the accuracy of the figures put forth by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

Question: Were you aware of the source of these figures before making your statements?

CYS: I am certain that none of the authorized sources, such as the IMF and the World Bank, corroborate the figures presented by the Prime Minister. Even the website of the Senegalese Ministry of Finance does not support these numbers. Moreover, the Court of Auditors’ report, an authorized body, does not confirm the figures shared by the Prime Minister.

Question: What sources or documents did you consult to assert that these figures were inaccurate?

CYS: All sources, as mentioned previously, confirm that the Prime Minister’s figures are inaccurate.

Question: Did you verify this information with official sources?

CYS: The official website of the Senegalese Ministry of Finance differs from the figures presented by the Prime Minister, which I believe is an adequate verification.

Question: Can you provide documentary evidence to support your statements?

CYS: I refer you to the official websites of all financial institutions cooperating with Senegal. Additionally, the IMF resident representative has confirmed figures that differ from those of the Prime Minister.

Question: Why did you claim that the figures presented by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko were incorrect?

CYS: According to WAEMU regulations, no country with a deficit exceeding 10% can raise funds. However, Senegal raised thirty-five billion CFA on the WAEMU market in September 2023, suggesting the deficit figure provided by the Prime Minister is incorrect. I will limit my statement to that.

Question: Are you aware that your comments could be perceived as defamatory toward the Prime Minister or as potentially disruptive to public order?

CYS: I made no defamatory statements. I stated facts supported by authoritative organizations.

Question: By making such comments, did you intend to discredit public institutions, particularly the government or the Prime Minister?

CYS: I did not seek to discredit anyone. My sole intention was to present facts for a fair and democratic dialogue.

Question: What was your objective in making these statements? Was it to inform, criticize, or alert the public?

CYS: I was simply responding to a question in an interview and aimed to present facts truthfully.

Question: Did you attempt to contact relevant authorities or a government spokesperson to verify the figures before making your public statements?

CYS: I didn’t feel the need, as the information is publicly accessible. The fact that authorities have raised 1,665 billion CFA since taking office confirms the Prime Minister’s figures are inaccurate.

Question: Are you aware of any corrections or clarifications made by the government since?

CYS: No.

Question: Could you explain your mindset during the broadcast? Was this open criticism or a debate on the country’s economic situation?

CYS: My position was purely journalistic, aiming to present authentic facts.

Question: For all the questions we’ve asked you, you refer to official data and community regulations as proof that the Prime Minister’s figures are incorrect. Would it not be better to present an official Senegalese document to support your claims?

CYS: The official document from Senegal is the Court of Auditors’ latest report, covering management through 2022, which provides different figures than the Prime Minister’s. The Court of Auditors is the only authorized body to certify budgetary management, and its figures are the only official ones.

Question: Why do you say these figures are unreliable?

CYS: The figures are unreliable for three reasons. Firstly, the Prime Minister is unlikely to be better informed than all financial organizations and rating agencies. Secondly, the justification provided by the Prime Minister—a private conversation between him, the President, and a former Minister—seems weak. Thirdly, the figures’ political use during an election period suggests motives other than accuracy.

Question: Do you believe that the evidence you’ve presented provides a scientifically sufficient basis to refute the Prime Minister’s figures?

CYS: My statements are far better documented than those of the Prime Minister. My sources include the Court of Auditors’ report and databases from authorized bodies, whereas the Prime Minister’s statements are unsupported.

Question: Did you intend to harm the reputation of the Prime Minister or public institutions?

CYS: I had no intention of harming anyone. My goal was purely journalistic: to present facts backed by authorized organizations.

Question: Could you have supported your statements without explicitly calling the figures false?

CYS: I believe I was quite restrained. Ousmane Sonko might have called me a liar.

Question: Were your comments intended to undermine the government or encourage public distrust of the authorities?

CYS: My sole objective was to do my job with respect for the facts.

Question: How would you respond if your words were misinterpreted or distorted by the public or media?

CYS: As a journalist, I present the facts and leave it to the public to interpret.

CYS: That’s all I have to declare.

End of questioning

The transcript underscores Cheikh Yérim Seck’s professionalism in addressing the alleged discrepancies highlighted in Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s recent statement about Senegal’s public finances. Additionally, it provides clear evidence for Seck’s release from police custody, with his case ultimately being dismissed.