Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to dismantle USAID has had severe financial repercussions for Senegal’s Wal Fadjri media group, resulting in the loss of millions of CFA francs in revenue. This follows an announcement by the Voice of America (VOA) suspending its collaboration with its media partners, including Wal Fadjri, after the radio station ceased broadcasting.

In a letter to its former partners, VOA expressed gratitude for years of partnership, stating, “We sincerely thank you for the efforts made for several years to contribute to the influence of VOA in Africa through a fertile and sustainable partnership.” However, the correspondence also made it clear that the collaboration had officially ended, with VOA’s coordinator, Ngathie Noathie Dinn, notifying that invoices for VOA program replays would no longer be processed beyond March 15, 2025.

This development marks a significant financial setback for Wal Fadjri, a media empire founded by the late Sidy Lamine Niass. According to Wal Fadjri Quotidien, the decision has deprived the group of substantial monthly earnings from its VOA partnership. The outlet described the situation as a major economic blow that could affect the company’s operations.

Last year, the accounts of the Walfadjri group were seized following an Avis à Tiers Détenteur (ATD), effectively blocking salary payments. This measure was taken to recover a tax debt dating back to 2016, which had been partially repaid but remains unsettled. The Tax Department insisted on full repayment of the outstanding amount. Under this procedure, the tax authorities could recover funds by instructing a third party, typically a bank, to withhold assets belonging to the debtor.

In June 2024, Cheikh Niass had already warned employees about impending financial difficulties, stating that the company would be unable to provide the Tabaski advance due to the freezing of its bank accounts over unpaid taxes from 2016 to 2018. Walfadjri had finally reached an agreement after several days of negotiations with the Tax Department.

The collapse of the USAID-backed partnership reflects broader disruptions caused by the Trump administration’s policy shifts in international aid and media funding. For Wal Fadjri, the sudden revenue loss raises concerns about the sustainability of independent media in Senegal, particularly those reliant on international collaborations.