Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, Senegal) – Addressing the nation on the eve of Senegal’s 65th Independence Day, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye urged citizens to embrace resilience and unity as the country confronts pressing economic and structural challenges. The theme for this year’s celebrations, “Towards the Technological and Industrial Sovereignty of the Defense and Security Forces,” highlights the administration’s focus on modernization and self-reliance.

In his speech, President Faye painted a candid picture of Senegal’s economic landscape, revealing the findings of a financial audit that underscored the need for collective effort in revitalizing the country’s economy. “The state of public finances, as revealed by the audit, requires us to count on ourselves to straighten the situation,” he stated. “We are well capable of it, and we will succeed with the mobilization of all.”

A Call for National Unity and Economic Reform

Stressing the importance of national cohesion, President Faye emphasized that resilience and sacrifice are necessary for long-term economic stability. “The history of nations teaches us that the path of development requires collectively granted sacrifices so that better tomorrows can happen,” he said. He reiterated that his government is committed to systemic change, with transparency and fiscal discipline as key pillars of its approach.

“We have undertaken to profoundly transform our country by drawing an uncompromising diagnosis of the economic situation. Even if the current situation reveals even greater challenges, the duty of truth remains the foundation of the systemic rupture we are engaged in,” President Faye declared.

To address the economic crisis, the government has rolled out a series of measures aimed at optimizing public finances. These include budgetary transparency, rationalizing expenditures, and improving debt management. Notably, significant efforts have been made to settle outstanding financial commitments, particularly in the agricultural and construction sectors.

The president cited concrete steps already taken, such as disbursing 70 billion CFA francs out of 113 billion owed for agricultural subsidies by the end of March 2025. In the construction sector, payments amounting to 62.08 billion CFA francs have been made, with an additional 66.7 billion planned in the 2025 budget. Additionally, 19.53 billion CFA francs in wage arrears have been cleared, benefiting nearly 9,500 teachers.

A Commitment to Inclusive Governance

President Faye reaffirmed his belief in national unity as a guiding principle for his administration, calling it “the real common treasure of Senegal.” To strengthen this unity, he announced a major national consultation process to engage key stakeholders across society.

“I have instructed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to organize a great national consultation with social partners, religious and customary authorities, civil society, the private sector, and all the living forces of the nation,” he stated. “We will tirelessly continue this participative and inclusive approach.”

Opposition Criticism: “Time is Not Unemployed”

However, not all political figures were receptive to Faye’s message. Yoro Dia, a former minister and spokesperson under former President Macky Sall, took to social media to criticize the administration’s priorities. In a sharp tweet posted on April 3, 2025, Dia accused the government of wasting time on institutional reforms rather than focusing on immediate economic concerns.

“The real problem of the country is and remains the economy,” Dia wrote, arguing that reforms driven by what he called “the rentiers of tension” were a distraction. He further warned against a “systemic vendetta agenda” that he alleged was shaping Faye’s governance.

As Senegal marks its 65th year of independence, President Faye’s address signals a period of fiscal tightening, economic restructuring, and political dialogue. His administration faces the challenge of balancing long-term reforms with the urgent economic needs of the population. While his call for unity and resilience resonates with many, opposition voices highlight growing impatience with the pace and focus of his government’s actions.

With economic pressures mounting and political debates intensifying, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether President Faye’s vision for systemic change can deliver tangible improvements for Senegalese citizens.