Rédaction Africa Links 24 with pierre Dieme
Published on 2024-03-22 12:48:17
Sunday, we will vote for the future of our children and to change the destiny of our nation.
Senegal, our country, is the result of several battles fought by our illustrious predecessors. It is a crucible of many historical, cultural, social, economic, and legal legacies.
Senegal is the land where the Torodo revolution led by Thierno Souleymane Baal took place, ending the domination of the Moors and the slave trade. It is the territory that witnessed a heroic act, forever engraved in golden letters in our history, the “Talaatay Nder,” where the women of Nder chose death over a life of dishonor and humiliation in captivity. It is the country that was heroically defended by illustrious resistors such as Aline Sitoé Diatta, who fiercely resisted French colonization; Maba Diakhou Bâ, who worked to protect the most vulnerable populations and unify the country; Alpha Molo Baldé, who defeated the Mandingo troops of the Gabou empire to defend the territorial integrity. It is a land of tolerance and coexistence, cultivated and maintained by the different Cheikhs who have led the Qadiriyya, Tijāniyya, Lāhīniyya, and Mourīdiyya Sufi brotherhoods, as well as the archbishops who have guided the Christian community. In a more contemporary context, several prominent political figures fought colonial domination, completed the decolonization process, and established the foundations of an integrated nation with a structured state.
This heritage is the culmination of sacrifices, efforts, selflessness, and creative initiatives of several generations of women and men. It creates bonds between our illustrious predecessors and us. It is therefore imperative for all of us. It is a legacy that we have a duty to preserve, nurture, and pass on to future generations.
Unfortunately, it is evident that this heritage is rapidly eroding, giving way to a divided, antagonistic, divisive, and intolerant nation. The deleterious social and political climate prevailing today reveals a weakening of our cultural values. This demonstrates, if needed, the failure of the individuals entrusted with the destiny of the country.
In addition to this revealing decline of values and the threats to the sustainability of our common will to live together, this situation brings increasing difficulties for Senegalese in their daily lives. A large part of the population has seen their living conditions deteriorate. The economic and social policies in place are far from laying the foundations for emergence.
Senegal is experiencing a decline in its economic activity as evidenced by the fall in the growth rate in recent years. The partisan appointments of inexperienced individuals, the lack of a culture of monitoring and evaluating the effects and impacts of policies and programs, and many other factors have rendered the various initiatives in favor of SMEs, which constitute the bulk of our economic fabric, ineffective. Despite the government’s slogans and self-glorification speeches, the implementation of the various announced programs has not improved the well-being of the population. Beyond monetary poverty, the living conditions of Senegalese are very difficult. The population faces inflationary pressures that have led to the high cost of living, especially in food products. These inflationary pressures have significantly affected the household budget. Food sovereignty, emphasized by the government, is not being achieved. Levels of unemployment and underemployment are high, and most Senegalese work in the informal sector. The emergency program for youth employment and socio-economic integration, “Xëyu ndaw ñi,” was hastily developed in response to a severe social crisis post-riot that occurred in March 2021. This led to significant shortcomings in its design and implementation, preventing the achievement of the initially targeted objectives. The budget deficit is significant and continues to widen, leading the state to rely heavily on significant borrowing to balance its budgets and, consequently, significantly increase the country’s debt. Administrative, economic, and financial governance is failing, with a lack of systematic accountability, corruption becoming rampant, and low accountability.
I personally witness this widespread deterioration. The observation is the same everywhere in the country: the Senegalese are tired and feel neglected!
The suffering of my fellow citizens has always been my compass, guiding every step I take, as a citizen, in my professional life or as a politician. My commitment to this country is unwavering, driven by the loyalty and devotion of a patriot and a republican. My dedication to Senegal is undeniable. I have a deep passion for this country.
Dear compatriots,
I have received numerous messages from citizens from all segments of Senegalese society, whether they are activists or apolitical. To all these women and men, I say: I have heard you.
My programmatic offer is based on the realities of the country, the daily lives of our compatriots, the state of the economic, social, cultural, industrial, democratic, security, and diplomatic situation in Senegal. My proposals to change the destiny of our country are rooted in our values and rely on the rules that organize and determine the functioning of a Republic. They are innovative, create added value, and carry generous ambitions for Senegal and its people. They aim to consolidate achievements and prepare our country to fully enter the circle of influential nations.
If the Senegalese people trust me by electing me to the highest office in our country, the implementation of my program would ensure, at the end of my five-year term:
– A better functioning of our institutions: republican normality will be restored and political life will be cleansed;
– A Senegal that fully embraces the digital age, utilizing all the potentialities and development opportunities it offers;
– Regained economic sovereignty by prioritizing national entrepreneurs and achieving food self-sufficiency;
– A better-valued human capital with more suitable training programs, public health, and social protection covering more social risks;
– Strengthened internal security and restored regional leadership.
Dear compatriots,
The 2024 presidential election is a crucial step in the life of our country. It is the most open since our accession to international sovereignty. Change will be within our reach. That is why I call on each and every one of you to choose probity, responsibility, and competence. So that on the evening of March 24, 2024, a new democratic era of justice, transparency, work, and prosperity opens in Senegal.
Thank you.
Long live the Republic
Long live Senegal
Read the original article(French) on Dakar Matin
