Sénégal : le SYNPICS fustige la loi sur le CNRM et dénonce une absence de concertation
The Union of Information and Communication Professionals of Senegal (SYNPICS) expresses its deep concern following the adoption, on March 3, 2026, by the National Assembly of Senegal, of draft law no. 4/2026 concerning the organization and operation of the National Media Regulatory Council (CNRM).
In a statement released on March 4 in Dakar, the union laments not having been involved in the drafting process of this text, despite its "central and historical" role in defending the material and moral interests of media professionals in Senegal.
A lack of consultation deemed worrying
SYNPICS strongly denounces the lack of prior consultation with stakeholders in the sector, particularly on provisions which it believes could profoundly impact the practice of journalism and media technology.
According to the trade union, the exclusion of professionals from discussions around such a structuring text weakens the legitimacy of the adopted regulatory framework and fuels concerns about its future application.
Article 31 at the heart of the criticism
The union is particularly critical of Chapter IV, Article 31, which grants the CNRM broad powers. The text stipulates that the regulatory body can conduct visits and inspections of press companies, demand the disclosure of professional documents, make copies of them, and gather information, with professional secrecy "not applicable" to the CNRM within its area of competence.
For SYNPICS, this provision constitutes "a dangerous precedent." It would undermine the fundamental principle of professional secrecy, considered a cornerstone of journalistic practice. The union also fears risks of interference that could hinder the editorial freedom of press companies.
Risks to press freedom and employment
Another cause for concern is the possibility for the CNRM to pronounce measures such as the administrative closure of a media outlet, the suspension of its broadcasting, the blocking of online content or the cutting off of access to audiovisual platforms.
SYNPICS believes that such prerogatives could have significant social consequences, particularly in terms of jobs in the media sector, while also affecting the pluralism of information.
Call for dialogue
While reaffirming its commitment to independent, transparent and fair regulation of the sector, SYNPICS calls on the authorities to open an inclusive dialogue framework with all media stakeholders.
The union's objective is to revisit provisions deemed controversial in order to guarantee a regulatory framework that complies with democratic principles, freedom of the press and international standards for media regulation.
Through this statement, SYNPICS places the debate on the ground of respect for the rights and responsibilities of information professionals, in a context where media regulation remains a major issue for Senegalese democracy.
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