While the State announces more than one billion CFA francs in aid to the press and undertakes a reform of the sector, Ayib Daffé strongly emphasized the dramatic social situation of reporters, field journalists, cameramen and technicians who are nevertheless the pillars of daily information.

For him, current discussions focus almost exclusively on media owners, publishers, and media structures, leaving those on the front lines in the shadows. Yet, it is these workers who face daily risks, pressure, long working hours, and sometimes even insecurity to inform the public. "We often talk about media owners and publishers, forgetting the workers. Yet, they are the ones who keep the media running," he laments.

Precarious and undignified working conditions

Ayib Daffé paints a bleak picture of the reality for reporters in Senegal. Many work without formal contracts, with irregular salaries, sometimes paid per assignment, and without health insurance or social security. Some juggle multiple assignments to survive, at the cost of constant instability. Under these conditions, he asks, can we truly speak of the professionalization of the press?

For him, support for the press cannot be limited to media companies: it must absolutely include a strong social dimension in favor of workers. He believes that public aid must include clear requirements regarding the signing of employment contracts, social security registration, respect for trade union rights, and regular payment of wages.

The allocation of public aid to the press is also central to his remarks. Ayib Daffé questions the exact criteria governing the distribution of over one billion CFA francs announced by the government. "How can we ensure that these funds also benefit journalists in the field and not just the management of media groups?"

According to him, it is imperative that this aid be conditional on improving the living and working conditions of reporters. For Ayib Daffé, the true test of the reform will therefore be its ability to tangibly transform the lives of those who, every day, give a voice to society.