Type Daily newspaper Editor Madiambal Diagne Political alignment opposition | Format Broadsheet Founded 24 February 2003 | |
Owner(s) Avenir Communications SA | ||
Le Quotidien is a major independent daily newspaper in Senegal, based in the capital of Dakar. It also publishes a glossy weekly, entitled Week end.
Contents
Launch
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.
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." He was released following international pressure and a press strike.
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.