Journalism ace Abdourahmane Diallo who won first prize in the Online Press category at a prestigious award in Dakar is dedicating the accolade to the newsroom of the African Press Agency (APAnews).
Diallo praised the editorial freedom and support from his editorial team which made his multimedia investigation into cattle rustling possible.
Honoured at the event hosted by the Young Reporters Association of Senegal (CJRS), Diallo secured the top spot for his in-depth multimedia report on the severe impact of livestock theft across Senegal.
The distinction recognises an investigative project completed after several weeks of field reporting in central Senegal, including the localities of Dinguiraye, Ndramé Escale, Missirah Wadène, and Ngainthe Pathé. The report, titled “Cattle Rustling in Senegal: The Herd Betrayed from Within,” exposes a crisis deeply compounded by internal collusion and a code of silence (omerta) that frequently hinders criminal prosecution.
A graduate of the Centre for Studies in Information Sciences and Technologies (CESTI), Diallo built his investigation on interviews with livestock farmers, community leaders, administrative authorities, and experts.
The piece was further enriched with multimedia elements, including field photography, infographics, and documentary video footage. The report notably highlighted the scale of the economic damage, estimating annual financial losses at nearly 2 billion CFA francs, with 22,000 to 30,000 head of cattle disappearing each year.
Reacting to the win, Diallo expressed “immense pride” and deep gratitude and recalled that after securing second place in the previous edition, his clear objective was to take home the top prize.
While describing the award as a personal milestone, he emphasised that it was ultimately a collective achievement for the entire Apanews newsroom.
He extended special thanks to management and his editorial colleagues for their trust and for maintaining the editorial freedom that allows journalists to cover matters of public interest independently, rigorously, and responsibly.
Diallo also dedicated the award to everyone who has supported him throughout his career, noting that the honour also belongs to them.
Meanwhile, the management of Apanews welcomed the distinction, stating that it honours both the reporter and the entire agency.
The management reiterated its steadfast commitment to rigorous, innovative journalism deeply rooted in African realities, adding that this award reinforces the agency’s growing reputation as a benchmark for pan-African media orginality and excellence.
AC/Sf/lb/as/APA