Are Senegal’s new government fulfilling their election pledges?
Aug 20, 2024
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Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Africa's youngest head of state at 44, and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko discuss their ambitious plans for Senegal. They promised a radical shift away from the past, targeting poverty and renegotiating contracts in key sectors like oil and fishing. The duo faces challenges, including public scrutiny over their progress and issues surrounding freedom of speech. As they navigate governance, they reflect on the balance between law and democracy, emphasizing the need for transparency to achieve their vision for Senegal's future.
President Faye's administration faces skepticism about fulfilling its promises to reduce youth unemployment and poverty amid slow-paced reforms.
Citizens seek a break from colonial dependency by advocating for structural reforms and transparency in managing Senegal's economic contracts.
Deep dives
Senegal's Political Landscape and Youth Reactions
Senegal underwent a significant political shift with the election of President Basirou Jamai Faye, who became the youngest head of state in Africa. His ascent followed a tumultuous campaign marked by the imprisonment of opposition leaders, including Usman Sanko, which sparked public protests and demands for political freedom. Young Senegalese citizens, who largely supported the opposition, voiced concerns about their diminishing democratic rights and meditated on the need for free and fair elections as the cornerstone of their political desires. Amidst promises of change, the sentiment among the youth reflects a demand for transparency, accountability, and genuine improvements in governance.
Promises of Economic Reform and Progress
President Faye's administration has pledged to address high youth unemployment and poverty through revising contracts for critical sectors like oil and gas, alongside reducing prices for essential goods. While there have been minor adjustments, such as a reduction in bread prices, many citizens in Dakar express skepticism about the pace and effectiveness of these reforms, citing stalled construction projects and unmet tax reduction promises. Some citizens maintain hope that with patience, the new government can overcome initial difficulties and meet some of its ambitious targets for economic growth. However, the perception of delays continues as a pressing issue as the government navigates its early months in power.
Challenges and Future Aspirations
Key discussions around Senegal's future include the government's plans to enhance national governance and its relationship with France, the former colonial power. The government aims to redefine this relationship by prioritizing Senegalese interests in negotiations regarding economic contracts and reducing dependency on the CFA franc, which is linked to the euro. Despite these goals, citizens recognize the necessity for structural reforms and state transparency in resources management and public spending. Additionally, the challenge remains to mitigate the emigration of youth seeking better opportunities abroad, emphasizing the government's need to address both economic inequality and social stability effectively.
Just over four months ago Senegal elected a new president.
After a tumultuous start to the election- Bassirou Diomaye Faye was declared the winner and became at 44 years old Africa’s youngest head of state.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko promised a radical break from the past, an Afrocentric and nationalist agenda.
They vowed to fight poverty and corruption. To create jobs for young people, contracts for gas, oil, fishing and defence would be renegotiated to get a better deal. And there would be an end their currency the CFA franc, which is pegged to the euro and backed by former colonial power France.
So what’s happened since they were elected?
Alan Kasujja has been hearing from people on the streets of Dakar and speaking to El Malick Ndiaye, Senegal's Minister for Infrastructure, Land and Air Transport.
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