The Senegalese Union of Information and Communication Professionals (SYNPICS) has expressed strong condemnation over the recent arrest of Simon Faye, the editor-in-chief of SenTv/ZIG FM, who has been in police custody since April 10, 2025.
In a public statement, SYNPICS denounced the detention as unjustified and reaffirmed its full support for Faye and the entire D-Media group. The union called for the protection of journalists’ rights, especially in light of recent actions against the media.
Faye’s arrest came after the publication of an article titled “Political Crisis in Senegal: Ouattara summons Ousmane Sonko to Abidjan” on the Afrique Confidentielle website, which was also shared on D-Media’s digital platform. SYNPICS pointed out that although Faye is a senior editor at D-Media, he was neither the author nor the first to publish the article.
The union expressed concern that such actions echoed the dark days of the previous regime, when journalists faced widespread arrests, summonses, and imprisonment.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) recently ranked Senegal 94th globally in its press freedom report, reflecting growing concerns over media freedoms.
SYNPICS emphasized Simon Faye’s reputation for professionalism, rigor, and integrity, noting that he had never previously been targeted by the authorities. The union hopes for his swift release and return to both his family and his work.
“Senegalese press still needs Simon Faye,” the statement concluded, reinforcing the ongoing importance of a free and independent media in the country.