SENEGAL
EMERGING COUNTRIES – Senegal wants to integrate the Brics
The priority given to political news very often relegates economic and strategic issues that deserve debate. This is the case of Senegal’s candidacy for the Brics, the grouping of emerging countries composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. If on the side of Dakar, it is total silence, in Pretoria on the other hand, the information is in the public square since this Monday, August 21, 2023.
At a press briefing on Monday, August 7, 2023, Naledi Pandor, the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations gave the list of about twenty countries candidates for the integration of the Brics. Among these countries, there is Senegal alongside other Africans such as Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt or Morocco (official denial from the Kingdom), but also powers of Asia such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. This issue of integration will be discussed by the 4 countries (Putin being absent), during the Brics summit scheduled in South Africa from tomorrow (22 to 25 August).
«The Brics represent about 42% of the world’s population, nearly 30% of the world’s territory, 27% of the world’s Gdp and 20% of international trade», says Media24. These countries especially want to get out of their dependence on the US dollar for more margin. To this end, a bank called the New Development Bank (NDB) was created in 2015.
According to Financial Afrik, the bank announced on August 15 the issuance of bonds denominated in South African rands on the country’s market.
It remains to be seen what Senegal’s place is in the midst of these economic powers. Indeed, despite the word emergence repeated everywhere, Senegal was ranked in 2022 by the UN among the 46 least developed countries in the world, in other words, the poorest. Dakar says it has already started the process of exiting this category and hopes to gain another status soon. «Our desire is to start the exit strategy, while taking advantage of our LDC status,» said the Ministry of the Economy. But until then, Senegal remains a modest country economically.
However, it could have a strategic role, particularly for China and Russia, which are seeking to extend their influence in Africa vis-à-vis the Western bloc. Due to its geographical position, Senegal could be an asset for the Brics.
Upon his arrival, Mr. Sonko was received one-on-one by his Ivorian counterpart, Robert Beugré Mambé, who is also the Minister of Sport and Living Environment. This meeting was followed by an extended working session in the presence of ministers from both governments, aimed at deepening cooperation in various areas of common interest.
The head of the Senegalese government will also travel to Bouaké, where he will meet with the Minister of Transport, Amadou Koné, who is also the mayor of the city. This stage is part of the twinning between Bouaké and Ziguinchor, a town where Ousmane Sonko was mayor.
Photo credit: Senegal Prime Minister
POLITICS
SENEGAL – The national dialogue enters a decisive phase with the installation of three commissions
The national dialogue has reached a key turning point. Yesterday, Wednesday 28 May 2025, Birame Sène, Chief Electoral Officer (DGE), revealed the composition of the three thematic commissions that will lead discussions on the future of the democratic and electoral system in Senegal.
The Democracy, Freedom and Human Rights commission will be headed by magistrate Thiaba Sy Camara. She will be supported by Babacar Fall of Gradec and Serigne Ahmadou Gaye, lecturer at the University Alioune Diop de Bambey. The position of rapporteur is entrusted to Ndéné Ndao, responsible within the DGE.
The Electoral Process Commission is entrusted to Mamadou Seck, a recognized electoral expert. He will work with Abdou Aziz Sarr, director of electoral operations at the DGE, and Yahya Niang, lecturer-researcher at Gaston Berger University. Aliou Diallo, head of the legal division of the DGE, will be the rapporteur.
The Institutional Reform and Election Management Bodies commission is under the responsibility of Ameth Ndiaye, a lecturer at UCAD. He will be assisted by Moussa Mbaye, sociologist, and the duo Ibrahima Nour Eddine Diagne – Pape Birame Sène, who will act as rapporteurs.
Each commission will be supervised by two political observers from the majority and the opposition. The general facilitator of the dialogue, Cheikh Guèye, will be supported by Ibrahima Baldé, civil administrator, as general rapporteur.
Work will resume on Friday morning at 9 a.m., opening a new stage towards the re-foundation of Senegal’s electoral system and democratic institutions.
Photo credit: Presidency Page Senegal
In a statement released on Sunday, May 18, the New Responsibility (NR), party led by former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, officially announced its participation in the national dialogue convened by President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye. This decision comes in a tense political context where several political formations have already made known their divergent positions on this presidential initiative.
Participation conditioned by broader ambitions
While New Responsibility (NR) confirms its presence in the upcoming discussions, it does not fail to point out that the proposed framework seems too narrow. The central theme of the political system is important, but it alone is not enough to meet the deep and legitimate expectations of Senegalese women and men,” reads the communiqué.
The party of Amadou Ba, defining itself as “an indisputable political force”, thus proposes to significantly expand the agenda of discussions to include several economic and social concerns that it considers priorities:
Public debt and the control of budget deficits;
Tax fairness;
Youth employment and employability;
Migration dynamics;
Sustainable development;
Purchasing power and the high cost of living;
The preservation of fundamental freedoms;
A strategic position in the political arena
This announcement comes at a time when the Senegalese political landscape remains divided on the very appropriateness of this dialogue. By agreeing to participate while seeking to redefine its scope, the New Responsibility adopts a constructive and critical posture that could allow it to stand out.
“Our participation is part of a dynamic of critical and constructive contribution, in a political, economic and social context of particular concern that requires rapid appeasement measures”, says the party, thus alluding to the tensions that run through Senegalese society.
A Republican vision claimed
The New Responsibility (NR) recalls its attachment to its credo “JAMM AK NJARIN” (peace and shared prosperity) and insists on its conception of national dialogue as “a republican instrument of pacification, strengthening democracy and consolidation of the rule of law”.
