Interview of the President of the Republic with the National Press

On the occasion of Senegal's 65th Independence Anniversary, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye granted an exclusive interview to the national press this Friday evening from the Presidential Palace. Broadcast live at 9 PM, this transparency exercise, now a highly anticipated event, provided the Head of State with the opportunity to reflect on his first months in office, discuss upcoming challenges, and reaffirm his vision of a sovereign, just, and prosperous Senegal.

From the outset, the Head of State emphasized his commitment to transparency, a key promise of his campaign. Referring to the recent publication of a detailed report on public finances (2019-2024), he declared with conviction: "I was not elected to hide the truth from Senegalese people. This report, as challenging as it may be to read, is essential for establishing honest governance." Revealing an alarming budget deficit and public debt nearing 100% of GDP, this document was hailed as an act of political courage. Refusing any complacency, he continued: "We take responsibility. The task is complex, but we know where we are starting from and where we want to go." Faced with these challenges, he called for a pact of trust between institutions and citizens, marking a break from the optimistic yet often hollow rhetoric of the past.

On the economic front, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye reaffirmed his ambition to break away from a model overly dependent on external factors. He highlighted the "Senegal Vision 2050" program, aimed at structurally transforming the economy through the development of natural resources, strengthening agriculture, and creating jobs for young people. "We have exported our raw materials for too long without processing them. This must stop," he insisted, announcing concrete measures to accelerate food and energy sovereignty. Among these, the responsible exploitation of Sangomar's oil and gas resources takes center stage, with the goal of maximizing benefits for the country. On the issue of youth employment, President Faye reminded that he would soon chair a council on youth employability and employment. "Whether it concerns young people or women, we are working on massive projects to address the employment issue," the Head of State emphasized.

When questioned about national political life, the President sought to reassure his compatriots by advocating for inclusive democracy. "Under my mandate, no opponent will be excluded from an election for political reasons," he stated firmly. As electoral reforms are underway to streamline the party system and restore trust in institutions, this stance could ease a political scene marked by years of tension. This message is addressed to both the opposition and citizens, in a context where stability remains a priority.

True to his sober and pragmatic style, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, concluded the interview on a unifying note. Dressed in traditional attire, he paid tribute to Senegal's historical figures, notably Mamadou Dia, whose name now graces one of Dakar's most iconic boulevards. "Independence is also about the independence of our minds and ambitions," he declared, inviting Senegalese people to unite in building a shared future. This heartfelt call for collective mobilization reflects his desire to blend heritage and modernity in the service of the nation.