Paradigm Initiative welcomes Senegal ruling limiting media regulator powers
Paradigm Initiative has welcomed Senegal’s Constitutional Council decision to strike down several provisions of the country’s new media law. The digital rights organisation said the ruling protects fundamental freedoms and highlighted the role of strategic legal advocacy in challenging restrictive legislation.
Pan-African digital rights organisation Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has welcomed a decision by Senegal’s Constitutional Council to overturn several provisions of a new law establishing the National Media Regulatory Council (CNRM).
The organisation supported a constitutional challenge to Law No. 07/2026 through its partner, the Association of Online Press Publishers and Professionals (APPEL). The challenge was filed on 10 March 2026 by 23 members of parliament, following the law’s adoption on 3 March.
Paradigm Initiative said the original legislation gave the CNRM broad powers, including the ability to close media premises and permanently shut down newspapers or online news sites in cases of an undefined repeat offence. It also raised concerns about provisions allowing law enforcement powers and interim measures without sufficient safeguards.
In its 7 April decision, the Constitutional Council struck down several of these provisions. It declared the media-premises closure provision unconstitutional and removed provisions allowing the closure of newspapers and websites. It also ruled that certain law enforcement powers require a judicial warrant and placed limits on the use of interim measures.
PIN described the decision as a victory for fundamental freedoms, online freedom of expression and the rule of law. Moussa Waly Sene, Francophone Africa regional Programmes Officer at Paradigm Initiative, said the ruling demonstrates that legal frameworks can protect fundamental freedoms even when restrictive legislation appears difficult to challenge.
Paradigm Initiative also stressed that the ruling should not mark the end of scrutiny of Senegal’s media regulatory framework. The organisation pointed to the CNRM’s position as an independent administrative authority attached to the Presidency and called for transparent practices, multistakeholder dialogue and compliance with the Constitutional Council’s decision.
PIN said the case also demonstrates the role of strategic legal advocacy and local partnerships in shaping media and digital rights frameworks. It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting media professionals, digital rights advocates and Senegalese authorities in implementing the ruling.
