Senegal: Continuity of the Senegal 2050 Agenda and Criticism Over the Cost of Living in Parliament

The general policy statement presented to the National Assembly placed the continuity of Senegal’s strategic vision and immediate concerns over living conditions at the heart of the discussions. The debate focused in particular on the Senegal 2050 national systemic transformation framework, the approach to steering public action, the cost of essential goods, employment and the situation of businesses.

The head of government said he did not intend to challenge the direction of a “sovereign, fair and prosperous Senegal,” rooted in strong values. He announced that the strategic course would be maintained, while advocating a change in methods inspired by his professional experience.

The claimed continuation of the Senegal 2050 framework

The Senegal 2050 national systemic transformation framework was presented as the foundation of the general policy statement. This vision was described as having been inspired by the “Diomaye Président” electoral programme before being translated into a framework under the authority of the head of state.

The speaker recalled having taken part in several stages of its preparation and deployment. He said he had coordinated the team responsible for translating the programme into a framework, before overseeing, alongside the Prime Minister’s Office technical team, the start of its development into a master plan.

He also stated that he had completed this master plan and structured the strategic steering of the framework while serving as Minister of State to the head of state, in charge of the Senegal 2050 Agenda. In line with this continuity, he insisted that there was no intention to review the directions already adopted.

The political message was therefore one of strategic continuity. The announced change primarily concerns how the vision will be implemented, rather than its stated objectives. This approach was presented as being based on rigour, work and dedication to the public interest.

A review of his career within the executive branch

The head of government referred to his entry into the executive branch at the swearing-in of the fifth President of the Republic of Senegal on 2 April 2024. At the time, he was serving as Secretary General of the Central Bank, a position he described as important within the institution’s hierarchy.

He then stated that he had served as Minister and Secretary General of the Government from April 2024 to April 2025. During that period, he said he had worked alongside the Prime Minister on the initial projects connected with the Senegal 2050 framework.

In his address, he also spoke to Ousmane Sonko, recalling their collaboration and the idea that he was expected to act as a link between the presidency and the Prime Minister’s Office on matters relating to the Senegal 2050 Agenda. He said he remained committed to the trust placed in him, while stressing that his priority remained the Senegalese people and their interests.

Institutions and the continuity of the state highlighted

The session was also marked by a defence of the role of institutions. The fact that a head of government appeared before an assembly chaired by a figure who had previously worked alongside him was presented as an illustration of democratic functioning.

The argument put forward was that institutions must take precedence over leaders and that the state must continue moving forward despite changes in office or responsibility. The speaker greeted former officials present in the chamber, arguing that it is possible to debate their decisions without denying the continuity of the country and its institutions.

He nevertheless called for the past not to become a source of permanent confrontation. In his view, examining mistakes and failings can be useful if it helps prevent them from being repeated. This approach rests on a dual responsibility for each generation of leaders: consolidating what works and repairing what threatens to fail, while adapting public action to current challenges.

Strong criticism over living standards and the economy

The parliamentary debate also gave rise to strong criticism of government action. One member of parliament said that Senegalese people’s main concern was their ability to feed themselves the following day. He pointed to rising prices for rice, oil, bread and rent.

According to this intervention, the government lacks a response to the high cost of living. The member of parliament accused the executive of favouring slogans and media appearances over concrete economic direction. He asked where the economic vision capable of addressing the difficulties mentioned could be found.

The criticism also concerned small and medium-sized enterprises, youth employment and the climate for investors. The member of parliament said that SMEs were closing, young people were losing hope and uncertainty was driving investors away. These statements reflect his political assessment of the economic situation.

On the social front, he referred to growing anger, mistrust and divisions. He accused members of the governing coalition of focusing on organising their political parties rather than on the difficulties faced by citizens.

Employment, prices and public services at the centre of questions

The member of parliament questioned the government’s ability to bring down prices, create jobs and improve access to healthcare, education and security. He illustrated his remarks by referring to mothers who were reportedly struggling to feed their children, young graduates forced to sell sachets of water and business owners closing their operations.

These remarks reflect a political clash over the executive’s priorities. On one side, the general policy statement stresses the continuity of the Senegal 2050 framework and a new implementation method. On the other, elected representatives are calling for tangible measures to address the high cost of living, unemployment and economic hardship.

A request for clarification on aviation-related spending

At the end of his intervention, the member of parliament also raised questions concerning several matters related to aircraft, airlines and periods mentioned between 2007 and 2027. The wording of this sequence does not make it possible to determine precisely the nature of the spending, contracts or transactions concerned.

The elected representative nevertheless called for the Senegalese people to be informed and referred to suspicions of embezzlement. No detailed response to these allegations, nor any evidence enabling them to be verified, is included in the information available here.

FAQ

What is the main focus of the general policy statement?

The main focus is maintaining the direction of the Senegal 2050 national systemic transformation framework, alongside an announced change in the implementation method.

What criticism was raised in the National Assembly?

Criticism concerned the cost of rice, oil, bread and rent, as well as youth employment, SMEs, investors, public services and security.

What role do institutions play in the debate?

The session highlighted the idea that institutions must take precedence over individuals and ensure the continuity of the state, even when political leaders change roles.