When the new government came to power, it boldly declared that Senegal would achieve development and prosperity without relying on foreign aid or investment. They claimed to have a ready-made project that would transform the economy and improve the lives of Senegalese citizens.
However, this rhetoric has proven to be far from reality. The government’s initial stance on minimizing international involvement and rejecting the IMF and World Bank has given way to a more pragmatic approach, with the Prime Minister’s trip to China and the President’s outreach to the US. The fact that they’re now seeking external support, including proposals for American investment in projects like golf courses, underscores the failure of their initial agenda and the realization that Senegal’s development requires more than just internal resources.
The government’s ambitious plans to overhaul the economy, including adopting a new currency, have fizzled out. The proposal to break away from the CFA franc and create a new currency, once touted as a bold move towards economic independence, has stalled. Instead, the government is now focused on attracting foreign investment and partnerships, a stark contrast to their initial stance. The failure to deliver on these promises has left many questioning the government’s ability to manage the economy and deliver on its development agenda.
As Senegal’s economic woes deepen, the government’s inability to deliver on its promises is becoming increasingly evident. Local industries are shutting down, job opportunities are scarce, and families are struggling to make ends meet. The economic hardship is widespread, impacting communities across the country. The youth, once full of hope, are now grappling with unemployment and economic despair. Despite their education, they’re struggling to find jobs that match their skills. The government’s promises of a brighter future have proved hollow, leaving the youth feeling frustrated and disillusioned.
The oil wealth that was supposed to catapult Senegal to economic prosperity is turning out to be a false promise. Foreign investors will reap the lion’s share of the profits, leaving Senegalese citizens to pick up the scraps. The country’s decision to mortgage its future to foreign investors has left it with a meager share of the profits.
Senegal’s strained relationship with France adds another layer of complexity to its economic challenges, given France’s historical influence as its former colonial power. The acrimonious split has led to France closing its military bases and potentially retaliating through economic sabotage, which could further destabilize Senegal’s already fragile economy. This dynamic is crucial in understanding the government’s struggles to deliver on its promises, as external pressures compound internal issues. The government’s efforts to reduce dependence on France could be seen as both a move towards sovereignty and a potential vulnerability, given France’s significant role in Senegal’s economic and security structures.
As Senegal stands at a crossroads, the failures of its government are starkly evident. The rift between the President and Prime Minister is more than just a power struggle – it’s a symptom of a deeper crisis of governance. The economy is faltering, the youth are disillusioned, and the promise of oil wealth remains an elusive dream. If the government doesn’t find a way to course-correct and prioritize the needs of its people, Senegal’s future could be marked by instability and stagnation. The clock is ticking, and the Senegalese people are waiting for change.
As Senegal’s government struggles to deliver on its promises, the harsh reality is that politics is often just a game of empty rhetoric. The grandiose claims of transformation and prosperity have given way to a desperate scramble for solutions. With the government’s ideas exhausted and its programs faltering, the people are left to fend for themselves. Poverty and insecurity will likely deepen, and the government’s inability to act will only exacerbate the suffering. From this point on, it’s clear that what’s left is mere politics – a struggle for power and survival, rather than any genuine attempt to serve the people. The Senegalese people deserve better, but it seems they’re destined to be let down once again.
By Musa Bassadi Jawara
