Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has disclosed that former U.S. President Donald Trump blocked development projects in Senegal worth $500 million, underscoring the risks of relying on foreign aid.

Speaking in Fass Touré, Sonko, a vocal proponent of economic self-reliance, pointed to the halted projects as proof that Senegal must pursue development independent of external assistance.

“We do not develop with external aid,” Sonko stated. “You have seen it—the new American president blocked, for 90 days, development aid programs for poor countries. Here in Senegal, we were expecting no less than $500 million (316 billion FCFA) in funding, but those programs have been blocked.”

Trump’s decision to halt development assistance has had repercussions across Africa, affecting numerous countries dependent on U.S. funding for infrastructure and social programs. The move aligns with his administration’s broader stance on reducing international commitments.

Sonko’s comments signal a shift in Senegal’s economic strategy, with the prime minister likening his approach to the Chinese model, advocating for policies that prioritize national resources and local investment.