Senegal — Not in Peril, but in Reconstruction

Introduction

Senegal is navigating a demanding but necessary phase of political, economic, and social reconstruction — grounded in the democratic legitimacy of the 2024 presidential and legislative elections.

Under the leadership of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, the country is advancing toward a new model of democratic governance rooted in transparency and accountability.

1. Public Finances: From Opacity to Transparency

A sweeping audit of public accounts has revealed more than 4,300 billion CFA francs in hidden debts and inflated contracts accumulated under the former administration of President Macky Sall (2012–2024). To restore integrity in public management, a Whistleblower Protection Law now safeguards citizens and civil servants who expose corruption or mismanagement. New oversight bodies have been established with expanded powers to monitor state and public-enterprise finances, marking a decisive shift toward fiscal transparency.

2. Strengthening National Sovereignty

Senegal is reaffirming control over its economic and diplomatic direction.

• Revised Investment Code: Introduces transparency clauses and mandatory local reinvestment.
• New Customs Code: Targets illicit financial flows and strengthens customs revenue collection.
• Foreign Policy: Pursues balanced and assertively sovereign diplomacy, with Senegal playing a more active role within ECOWAS.

3. Economic Recovery: Transparency and Renewal

The government’s recovery strategy blends reform with renewal.

Tax Reform: Broader tax base, tougher action against multinational tax evasion, and simplified procedures for SMEs and microenterprises.

Revitalization of Strategic Sectors:

• Launch of the “Green Senegal Plan” to boost agriculture and environmental sustainability.
  • Creation of a Sovereign Investment Fund to finance infrastructure and productive local projects.

These measures aim to lay the foundation for a transparent, self-reliant, and inclusive economy.

4. Public Freedoms and Justice: Responsibility and Fairness

Justice reform lies at the heart of national renewal. Judicial proceedings have begun against those implicated in the 2021–2024 repression, including the killings of protesters and arbitrary arrests. Investigations are also underway into the misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office involving former ministers and political allies of the previous regime. Judicial independence is being strengthened through the appointment of respected magistrates and procedural reforms guaranteeing fair-trial rights for all citizens.

5. National Cohesion and Youth Empowerment

Reconstruction is also social and generational.

• “Youth Employment 2025” Program: Aims to create 100,000 jobs and internships over two years.
• Rural Entrepreneurship Support Fund: Expands access to credit and technical assistance for local initiatives.
• Effective Decentralization: Transfers powers and budgetary resources to local authorities, reinforcing grassroots democracy and regional inclusion.

Conclusion

Senegal is engaged in a profound process of national reconstruction — one that is demanding yet forward-looking. The reforms now underway — from fiscal transparency and judicial modernization to renewed economic governance — seek to replace an entrenched system of privilege with a democratic, sovereign, and equitable republic. The reconstruction is not a crisis, but a renewal — sustained by a clear majority and a shared national vision.