Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, Senegal) – In a landmark decision that could reshape the media landscape in Senegal, the Supreme Court on Thursday, June 12, 2025, ordered the suspension of the cessation of publication notification issued to the media outlet called PublicSN, owned by journalist Aïssatou Diop Fall.

The ruling, confirmed by PublicSN‘s lawyer, Me Abdou Diany Kane, marks a significant legal setback for the new Senegalese regime’s efforts to regulate media operations and signals a potential shift towards greater press freedom in the West African nation.

Aïssatou Diop Fall did not hold back from sending a few humorous remarks about Ousmane Sonko in an effort to show satisfaction. Notably, she stated, “Meulé Sonko, par la force di nga guiss PublicSn, damay youzza…“

The decision directly challenges an order issued by Aliou Sall, the Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital (MCTN), which had deemed several media outlets “non-compliant” and subsequently forced their closure.

According to Mamadou Ibra Kane of the Council of Press Publishers (CDEPS), this “now illegal decree” had been notified to ten media organizations, leading to dramatic consequences, including the closure of press companies and the unemployment of dozens of workers.

Implications for Shut-Down Media and Media Freedom

The Supreme Court’s suspension of the notification for SN carries profound implications for the other nine media outlets that were similarly forced to cease operations.

While the full written decision is expected early next week, stakeholders are optimistic that this ruling sets a crucial precedent. Mamadou Ibra Kane emphasized, “With this decision, the law has been said.”

For the media outlets that were previously shut down, this ruling offers a strong legal basis to challenge their own cessation orders.

It suggests that the Minister’s decree, which was applied broadly, may be deemed unlawful across the board. Should this interpretation hold, it could pave the way for the reopening of these news organizations and the reinstatement of their employees.

More broadly, this judicial intervention is being hailed as a significant victory for press freedom in Senegal. The Minister’s actions had been perceived by many as an attempt to stifle independent reporting and control narratives, particularly following the transition to the new regime.

By ruling against the ministerial decree, the Supreme Court has underscored the importance of due process and the protection of constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and the press.

Mamadou Ibra Kane explicitly stated, “It is undoubtedly a victory for the freedom of the press. All the acts posed by the Minister of Communication, whose ‘official’ lists of media recognized by the State, are now obsolete.”

This statement highlights that the court’s decision not only addresses the immediate cessation orders but also potentially invalidates other regulatory measures imposed by the ministry without proper legal foundation.

This ruling could serve as a vital check on executive power, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a guardian of fundamental liberties. It sends a clear message that administrative actions must adhere to the rule of law and cannot arbitrarily curtail the operations of media organizations.

While the immediate focus remains on the detailed formulations of the judge’s decision, which will be communicated later, the preliminary indications are overwhelmingly positive for independent journalism in Senegal.

The decision provides a much-needed legal weapon for media houses to resist what they consider arbitrary closures and fosters an environment where journalists can operate with greater assurance of judicial protection.