By  Mbaye Sadikh

Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR) – In a departure from its governance manifesto titled “Project,” the political party Pastef had pledged to utilize calls for applications for certain positions in the senior civil service and the parapublic sector. However, the first appointments of Directors General of public companies under the Diomaye-Sonko era were made yesterday, Wednesday, April 24, at the conclusion of the cabinet meeting. This move has sparked surprise and disappointment among the Senegalese populace.

Instead of fulfilling the promised calls for applications, the new authorities opted to appoint individuals of their choice to manage parastatal companies such as the Autonomous Port of Dakar, RTS, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignation, Apix, Blaise Diagne International Airport, La Poste, Sicap, and the Sn-Hlm, among others.

While some argue that the quick appointments were necessary due to remaining vacant positions, critics see these appointments by Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko as a clear indication of the procedure they intend to follow. Despite efforts to emphasize competence in composing the government, political affiliation seemed to take precedence in selecting CEOs for public companies and executing agencies. The move has effectively shelved the call for applications.

The appointments made on Wednesday represent a significant portion of Senegal’s public companies and national agencies. While there are still positions yet to be filled, these nominations suggest that there will be no further calls for applications. For instance, the direct appointment of the CEO of RTS raises questions about the need for a call for applications for positions such as Soleil or Aps.

The public had high expectations for these calls for applications as they were seen as an opportunity to break with past practices, particularly in organizations like RTS, which have been perceived to favor those in power. However, the appointments have dashed these hopes, with critics fearing a return to clientelism and its negative impact on public companies’ financial health and investment capabilities.

The tale of open applications and transparency in appointments appears to have been shattered, leaving many to ponder the future of public sector appointments in Senegal.