Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The CEO of 3M Universel Group, Maimouna Ndour Faye, has launched a scathing critique of the Senegalese government following the publication of a provisional list of legally recognized media outlets. The list, issued by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, excluded her media entities, including 7TV and Az Actu, sparking allegations of political targeting.

Faye, a prominent media figure, accused the government of attempting to undermine the private press. “It is not up to the minister to decide whether or not a media outlet is legal,” she declared during a press conference, denouncing the move as an “attempt to liquidate the private press by the new regime.” She further asserted, “The regime started by suspending convention contracts; we resisted. This time, again, we will lead the fight. We do not accept that anyone deprives us of our passion.”

Government’s Provisional Media List Draws Controversy

The contested list, unveiled by Communication Minister Alioune Sall, identifies 112 compliant media outlets out of the 535 operating in the country. It includes 54 online platforms, 10 television stations, 14 newspapers, 14 radio channels, 11 community radio stations, and 6 Web TVs. The unrecognized outlets have been given 72 hours to regularize their status or face exclusion from state aid and public contracts.

Sall emphasized that the list remains provisional and is subject to updates. However, critics, including Faye, view the process as opaque and politically motivated.

Cleared of Prodac Scandal Allegations

During the press briefing, Faye also addressed accusations of her involvement in the Prodac scandal, a high-profile case concerning the mismanagement of the Community Agricultural Estates Program under former Youth Minister Mame Mbaye Niang. Faye clarified her role, explaining that her company had been contracted to organize a media seminar for 63 million CFA francs. She detailed payments made to various media outlets, including Tfm, Sen Tv, and Walfadjri.

“An investigation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation Division (Dic), and I provided all the necessary documents: invoices, lists of journalists present, etc. I was cleared,” she stated emphatically. According to Faye, the investigators questioned why she had been implicated, given her lack of involvement in the criminal aspects of the case.

Faye’s protest highlights growing concerns over media freedom in Senegal, as the government enforces stricter regulations under the Press Code. The exclusion of several prominent outlets has reignited debates about the potential for state interference in journalistic practices and press independence.

With the 72-hour deadline looming, the tension remains between private media stakeholders and the government, leaving the future of many outlets hanging in the balance.