rts 1’s broadcast exclusion of constitutional debate sparks Senegal outcry

Media coverage of the ongoing constitutional revision continues to fuel significant debate within Senegal. On Monday, June 29, 2026, RTS 1, the national public channel, once again faced scrutiny after opting against a live broadcast of the plenary session dedicated to examining proposed law n°17/2026, which outlines amendments to the Constitution.

This absence of live transmission immediately sparked widespread reactions on social media. Numerous internet users voiced their disapproval, labeling the editorial decision as selective, and even politically motivated. On X (formerly Twitter), comments surged within minutes of the parliamentary proceedings commencing.

Some users openly expressed their confusion regarding the decision. Others interpreted it as a deliberate tactic to marginalize certain political figures from public discourse, particularly questioning the visibility given to interventions related to Ousmane Sonko in the media’s coverage of institutional matters.

“Plenary session – Examination of proposed law n°17/2026 revising the Constitution,” simply stated the account Maps Cissé, noting the lack of corresponding television coverage on the public channel. This observation quickly inflamed online reactions.

On social networks, comments ranged from resigned acceptance to outright criticism. Some users remarked that “this is no longer a surprise,” while others denounced the trivialization of media treatment for such significant institutional events. Messages circulated, variously describing the decision as “unsurprising,” a “disappointment,” or expressing a “persistent incomprehension” regarding the role of public television.