The decision by Senegal’s national broadcaster, RTS 1, to not air the recent session on constitutional revision has ignited a firestorm of controversy across social media platforms. Online users are vocally condemning what they perceive as a contentious editorial stance, intensifying the broader discourse around media coverage of institutional affairs within the nation.
The media’s handling of the constitutional revision continues to fuel significant debate throughout Senegal. On Monday, June 29, 2026, the state-owned channel RTS 1 once again drew sharp criticism after opting against a live broadcast of the plenary session dedicated to reviewing proposed law n°17/2026, which concerns amendments to the Constitution.
This absence of live coverage immediately sparked a torrent of reactions on social media. Numerous internet users quickly voiced their disapproval, decrying the editorial choice as both selective and politically motivated. On X (formerly Twitter), comments proliferated rapidly within minutes of the parliamentary proceedings commencing.
Many users expressed profound bewilderment regarding the broadcaster’s decision. Others interpreted it as a deliberate strategy to marginalize specific political figures from public discourse, particularly concerning the visibility afforded to interventions related to Ousmane Sonko in the media’s portrayal of national institutions.
“Plenary session – Examination of proposed law n°17/2026 on constitutional revision,” simply read a post from the account Maps Cissé, noting the ongoing parliamentary work without a corresponding television broadcast on the public channel. This observation swiftly escalated the online outcry.
Across social networks, reactions ranged from weary resignation to outright condemnation. Some netizens commented that such a decision was “no longer a surprise,” while others criticized what they saw as the normalization of inadequate media coverage for crucial institutional events. Messages circulated widely, lamenting a “predictable decision,” expressing “disappointment,” and highlighting a “persistent incomprehension” regarding the public television’s role in West Africa news and African politics.
