Le Quotidien (Senegal)

Infobox_Newspaper
name = Le Quotidien
type = Daily newspaper
format = Broadsheet
foundation = 24 February 2003
ceased publication =
owners = Avenir Communications SA
political = opposition
circulation =
headquarters = Sodida , Rue 14 prolongée
B.P : 25835 Dakar , Senegal
editor = Madiambal Diagne
website = [http://www.lequotidien.sn lequotidien.sn]

"Le Quotidien" is a major independent daily newspaper in Senegal, based in the capitol of Dakar. It also publishes a glossy weekly, entitled "Week end". [http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica/en/senegal_ccg.pdf Senegal Country Commercial Guide 2008] . U.S. Commercial Service (2008). PD-notice]

HLaunch

Launched by owner/editor Madiambal Diagne -- a former reporter for Dakar's Wal Fadjri -- and his Avenir Communications SA company in February 2003, Le Quotidien is generally critical of the government, as well as political and religious figures. [One example is the unsigned editorial [http://www.lequotidien.sn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=656&Itemid=13 CIMETIERE HOMO] , 08/08/2008, in which the paper criticises government, religious, and cultural leaders for their intolerance towards homosexuality, a major taboo in Senegalese society.]

Controversy

In July 2004 Diange was arrested pending charge by the government for publishing articles alleging fraud in the customs service and government interference in the judiciary. The arrest came from an alleged breach of Article 80 of the Penal Code, which mandates up to 5 years in jail for anyone convicted of "acts that might compromise public security or cause serious political problems." [ [http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,CPJ,,SEN,47c566ee2d,0.html UNHCR: Attacks on the Press in Senegal, 2004] ] He was released following international pressure and a press strike. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3886269.stm Senegal's Day Without Press] , BBC, 12 July 2004.]

Expansion

In 2006, Le Quotidien purchased its own press facilities, freeing it from use of government owned printing facilities.

In 2007 the company's attempt to launch a sister radio station in Dakar was halted by the government, but Premiere FM opened after appeal at the end of that year.

References

* [http://www.mdlf.org/en/mdlf/July2007/918/ Senegal radio station to launch after police raid] , Media Development Loan Fund, July 2007.
* [http://www.afdevinfo.com/htmlreports/org/org_39664.html African Development Information Services: Le Quotidien] .