The SYNPAP–SYNPICS inter-union of the Senegalese Radio and Television Broadcasting (RTS) is calling for a strong mobilization on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Dakar correctional court, where five of its union leaders are to appear for defamation.

These individuals are Youssou Kaba, Secretary General of SYNPICS/RTS, Mama Moussa Niang, Secretary General of SYNPAP/RTS, as well as El Hadj Thierno Dramé, Abibou Mbaye, and Alioune Badara Kane. They are being prosecuted following a summons issued by the Director General of RTS, Pape Alé Niang.

According to the inter-union group, the accusations against their colleagues stem from a general assembly during which they publicly denounced several decisions made by RTS management. Among the grievances raised were the allegedly opaque recruitment of a financial advisor, the denial of access to RTS headquarters to journalists covering a press conference, and the controversial management of the Africa Cup of Nations village, which was reportedly entrusted to a close associate of the director general.

The union representatives also point to the suspension, for the past two years, of the company agreement, a decision they describe as unilateral.

The inter-union group considers these prosecutions a serious attack on freedom of expression and trade union rights. It denounces an "authoritarian drift" within the public company and warns of the risks this situation could pose to all workers and the media in Senegal.

In this context, she is appealing to all national stakeholders. The media are invited to cover what she calls a "historic trial," while trade unions are called upon to mobilize in solidarity. Human rights organizations are also urged to ensure respect for the principles of a fair trial.

The appeal extends to civil society, young people, women, intellectuals and artists, in order to "not allow justice to be instrumentalized against those who dare to speak out".

The Inter-union group urges all workers, in Senegal as elsewhere in Africa, to feel concerned by this case, presented as a symbol of the defense of trade union rights.