🇸🇳 Senegal kicks off short election campaign after poll delays
Senegalese presidential candidates launched their shortened campaigns on Saturday, two days after a court confirmed the election would be held on March 24, ending weeks of uncertainty and kick-starting a competition that remains wide open.
The new date leaves the 19 candidates little more than two weeks, rather than the usual 21 days, to drum up support. It also means that for the first time campaigning in the majority Muslim nation will take place during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Sunday night.
"We will have to adapt everything," opposition candidate and former mayor of the capital Dakar, Khalifa Sall, told.
The campaign period also coincides with the Christian period of Lent.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegalese presidential candidates launched their shortened campaigns on Saturday, two days after a court confirmed the election would be held on March 24, ending weeks of uncertainty and kick-starting a competition that remains wide open.
The new date leaves the 19 candidates little more than two weeks, rather than the usual 21 days, to drum up support. It also means that for the first time campaigning in the majority Muslim nation will take place during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Sunday night.
"We will have to adapt everything," opposition candidate and former mayor of the capital Dakar, Khalifa Sall, told.
The campaign period also coincides with the Christian period of Lent.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal opposition coalition promises new currency and revamp of oil contracts
A Senegalese opposition coalition backed by popular Ousmane Sonko launched its presidential campaign platform on Saturday with promises to create a new national currency and renegotiate mining and energy contracts.
There are no public election opinion polls in Senegal, but the coalition's candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is seen as a strong contender among the 19 candidates vying for the presidency in the March 24 vote.
"Convinced that full independence cannot be achieved without controlling the economy, livestock management, fisheries and agriculture, we are fully committed to achieving food, digital, fiscal, energy and scientific sovereignty," Faye said.
Members of Sonko's dissolved Pastef party and other parties formed a coalition and picked Faye as a candidate in November after Sonko was disqualified over a defamation conviction.
#Senegal
@africaintel
A Senegalese opposition coalition backed by popular Ousmane Sonko launched its presidential campaign platform on Saturday with promises to create a new national currency and renegotiate mining and energy contracts.
There are no public election opinion polls in Senegal, but the coalition's candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is seen as a strong contender among the 19 candidates vying for the presidency in the March 24 vote.
"Convinced that full independence cannot be achieved without controlling the economy, livestock management, fisheries and agriculture, we are fully committed to achieving food, digital, fiscal, energy and scientific sovereignty," Faye said.
Members of Sonko's dissolved Pastef party and other parties formed a coalition and picked Faye as a candidate in November after Sonko was disqualified over a defamation conviction.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Freed from jail, Senegal opposition presidential candidate draws hundreds to first event
A day after his release from jail, Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye drew hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential contender on Friday for March 24 elections, promising to tackle corruption.
Next to him, the popular firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko urged supporters to vote for his ally.
"We have an election to win. We have lost too much time," Sonko, also released from prison on Thursday, said at a joint news briefing.
Sonko threw his support behind Faye after being disqualified over a defamation conviction unrelated to his detention last July.
Most of Sonko's supporters are expected to vote for Faye, making the latter a serious threat to the other 18 presidential hopefuls, analysts say. Sonko is popular among urban youth frustrated with a lack of jobs and economic hardship.
#Senegal
@africaintel
A day after his release from jail, Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye drew hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential contender on Friday for March 24 elections, promising to tackle corruption.
Next to him, the popular firebrand opposition leader Ousmane Sonko urged supporters to vote for his ally.
"We have an election to win. We have lost too much time," Sonko, also released from prison on Thursday, said at a joint news briefing.
Sonko threw his support behind Faye after being disqualified over a defamation conviction unrelated to his detention last July.
Most of Sonko's supporters are expected to vote for Faye, making the latter a serious threat to the other 18 presidential hopefuls, analysts say. Sonko is popular among urban youth frustrated with a lack of jobs and economic hardship.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal opposition leader backs off promise to create national currency
Senegal will seek to implement a reform of the West Africa region's CFA franc currency at a regional level first and if that fails, will consider creating a national currency, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko said on Friday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye a day after they were both released from jail, Sonko's comments seemed aimed to ease concerns after their election campaign, which promised to introduce the new currency if Faye wins.
"We will try implement a monetary reform at the sub-regional level first," Sonko said. "If that fails, we will make a decision as a nation."
Sonko said that there is widespread view that CFA franc currency, pegged to the euro and used by eight countries of the West Africa Monetary Union, hampers economic development in the region, and there was a need to look at other options.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal will seek to implement a reform of the West Africa region's CFA franc currency at a regional level first and if that fails, will consider creating a national currency, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko said on Friday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye a day after they were both released from jail, Sonko's comments seemed aimed to ease concerns after their election campaign, which promised to introduce the new currency if Faye wins.
"We will try implement a monetary reform at the sub-regional level first," Sonko said. "If that fails, we will make a decision as a nation."
Sonko said that there is widespread view that CFA franc currency, pegged to the euro and used by eight countries of the West Africa Monetary Union, hampers economic development in the region, and there was a need to look at other options.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 I have no apology for trying to delay Senegal polls: Sall
Senegal’s President Macky Sall has said that he had no regrets for his attempts to postpone elections that were due to be held last month, sparking deadly protests in the country.
Sall said that the decision to delay the vote was not taken unilaterally, but was due to electoral concerns raised by members of parliament.
"I have no apology to make, I have done nothing wrong. I am speaking to you as president of the republic. All the actions that have been taken have been within the framework of the law and regulations," President Sall said.
Sall insists that he will not stay a day longer even if Sunday’s vote presents no outright winner.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal’s President Macky Sall has said that he had no regrets for his attempts to postpone elections that were due to be held last month, sparking deadly protests in the country.
Sall said that the decision to delay the vote was not taken unilaterally, but was due to electoral concerns raised by members of parliament.
"I have no apology to make, I have done nothing wrong. I am speaking to you as president of the republic. All the actions that have been taken have been within the framework of the law and regulations," President Sall said.
Sall insists that he will not stay a day longer even if Sunday’s vote presents no outright winner.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal opposition leader seeks to reassure investors ahead of Sunday vote
One of the most serious challengers to Senegalese President Macky Sall's party in Sunday's presidential election has sought to reassure investors about his plans for the nation set to begin producing oil and gas later this year.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye told he would "prioritise rebuilding the rule of law, restoring social cohesion and bringing stability" to protest-hit Senegal.
"This will allow investors to work with complete peace of mind and provide the country with the necessary calm for a proper economic take-off," Faye said.
"In that regard, no candidate can guarantee the security of foreign investors better than me," he said.
Faye was released from prison under a new amnesty law introduced to reduce tensions. He had been held since April on charges including defamation and contempt of court, which he denied.
#Senegal
@africaintel
One of the most serious challengers to Senegalese President Macky Sall's party in Sunday's presidential election has sought to reassure investors about his plans for the nation set to begin producing oil and gas later this year.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye told he would "prioritise rebuilding the rule of law, restoring social cohesion and bringing stability" to protest-hit Senegal.
"This will allow investors to work with complete peace of mind and provide the country with the necessary calm for a proper economic take-off," Faye said.
"In that regard, no candidate can guarantee the security of foreign investors better than me," he said.
Faye was released from prison under a new amnesty law introduced to reduce tensions. He had been held since April on charges including defamation and contempt of court, which he denied.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal's Ba criticises rival's national currency plan as bad for investment
The presidential candidate for Senegal's ruling coalition, former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, warned on Friday that an opponent's proposal to introduce a national currency could discourage investors, a prospect the country could not afford.
"Raising the debate around currency right now causes jitters among investors. Tomorrow, investors are going to wait and see before investing," Ba told. "Our economic and social situation does not allow us to create these kinds of uncertainty."
Ba is facing 18 other candidates in Senegal's presidential election on Sunday. No frontrunner has emerged, but the opposition has seen strong momentum behind Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a former tax inspector.
Faye has said he will first seek monetary reforms within the eight-nation West African Monetary Union that use the CFA franc. If that fails, he will push for a national currency.
#Senegal
@africaintel
The presidential candidate for Senegal's ruling coalition, former Prime Minister Amadou Ba, warned on Friday that an opponent's proposal to introduce a national currency could discourage investors, a prospect the country could not afford.
"Raising the debate around currency right now causes jitters among investors. Tomorrow, investors are going to wait and see before investing," Ba told. "Our economic and social situation does not allow us to create these kinds of uncertainty."
Ba is facing 18 other candidates in Senegal's presidential election on Sunday. No frontrunner has emerged, but the opposition has seen strong momentum behind Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a former tax inspector.
Faye has said he will first seek monetary reforms within the eight-nation West African Monetary Union that use the CFA franc. If that fails, he will push for a national currency.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal begins voting in delayed presidential election
Voting opened in Senegal on Sunday in a delayed presidential election taking place against a turbulent political backdrop that has triggered violent anti-government protests and boosted support for the opposition.
Lines formed outside polling stations in the early morning, while roads were largely deserted in the capital Dakar. The nation’s elite police force deployed across the city in armored vehicles and checked voters' cards. Results are expected next week.
In the run-up to Sunday’s vote, opposition leader Ousmane Sonkowas released from prison last week, triggering jubilant celebrations on the streets of Dakar and renewed excitement about the contest.
There are 19 contenders vying to replace President Macky Sall, who is stepping down after a second term.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Voting opened in Senegal on Sunday in a delayed presidential election taking place against a turbulent political backdrop that has triggered violent anti-government protests and boosted support for the opposition.
Lines formed outside polling stations in the early morning, while roads were largely deserted in the capital Dakar. The nation’s elite police force deployed across the city in armored vehicles and checked voters' cards. Results are expected next week.
In the run-up to Sunday’s vote, opposition leader Ousmane Sonkowas released from prison last week, triggering jubilant celebrations on the streets of Dakar and renewed excitement about the contest.
There are 19 contenders vying to replace President Macky Sall, who is stepping down after a second term.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Opposition candidate Faye takes early lead in Senegal presidential polls
Early results from Senegal's presidential vote put opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye ahead, sending his supporters to celebrate in the streets, though his main rival from the ruling coalition said a run-off will be needed to determine the winner.
At least five of the 19 candidates in the race issued statements as results trickled after the election on Sunday, congratulating Faye.
Former prime minister Amadou Ba, the ruling coalition's candidate, said however that celebrations were premature.
"For our part, and considering the feedback of the results from our team of experts, we are certain that, in the worst case scenario, we will go to a run-off," Ba's campaign said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Early results from Senegal's presidential vote put opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye ahead, sending his supporters to celebrate in the streets, though his main rival from the ruling coalition said a run-off will be needed to determine the winner.
At least five of the 19 candidates in the race issued statements as results trickled after the election on Sunday, congratulating Faye.
Former prime minister Amadou Ba, the ruling coalition's candidate, said however that celebrations were premature.
"For our part, and considering the feedback of the results from our team of experts, we are certain that, in the worst case scenario, we will go to a run-off," Ba's campaign said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal opposition's Faye set to become president after rival concedes
Senegal opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye was set to be declared the country's next president after his rival from the ruling coalition called him on Monday to concede defeat.
Results trickling in since polls closed on Sunday evening in the first round of a delayed presidential election rapidly suggested Faye, 44, may have clinched an outright majority. The trends announced on local media sparked street celebrations by his supporters in the capital Dakar.
Ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba, 62, initially called these celebrations premature and said a run-off vote would be needed to determine the winner.
But he then called Faye on Monday to offer his congratulations, a government spokesman told journalists.
"In light of presidential election result trends and while we await the official proclamation, I congratulate Faye for his victory in the first round," Ba said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye was set to be declared the country's next president after his rival from the ruling coalition called him on Monday to concede defeat.
Results trickling in since polls closed on Sunday evening in the first round of a delayed presidential election rapidly suggested Faye, 44, may have clinched an outright majority. The trends announced on local media sparked street celebrations by his supporters in the capital Dakar.
Ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba, 62, initially called these celebrations premature and said a run-off vote would be needed to determine the winner.
But he then called Faye on Monday to offer his congratulations, a government spokesman told journalists.
"In light of presidential election result trends and while we await the official proclamation, I congratulate Faye for his victory in the first round," Ba said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇸🇳 Senegal opposition's Faye set to become president after rival concedes Senegal opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye was set to be declared the country's next president after his rival from the ruling coalition called him on Monday to concede defeat.…
🇸🇳 I will govern with humility said Senegal's Faye
Senegal’s President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye has pledged to govern with humility and transparency, in his first speech after Sunday's poll.
Mr Faye's main rival from the governing coalition, Amadou Ba, has already conceded defeat, setting the stage for the 44-year-old political newcomer to become the youngest president in the country's history.
‘’By electing me, the Senegalese people have chosen to break with the past," he told.
‘’By electing me, the Senegalese people have chosen to break with the past," he told journalists on Monday.
"I promise to govern with humility and transparency.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal’s President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye has pledged to govern with humility and transparency, in his first speech after Sunday's poll.
Mr Faye's main rival from the governing coalition, Amadou Ba, has already conceded defeat, setting the stage for the 44-year-old political newcomer to become the youngest president in the country's history.
‘’By electing me, the Senegalese people have chosen to break with the past," he told.
‘’By electing me, the Senegalese people have chosen to break with the past," he told journalists on Monday.
"I promise to govern with humility and transparency.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal's opposition candidate Faye won over 54% of vote, full provisional results show
Opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye won over 54% of votes in Senegal's presidential election, with ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba taking over 35%, the Dakar appeals court said on Wednesday.
The court said the results were based on vote tallies from 100% of polling stations. They are expected to be confirmed by the Constitutional Council in the coming days.
The election recorded a voter turnout of 61%.
Ba, along with several of the other 15 presidential contestants, have already conceded and congratulated Mr Faye. It is considered unlikely that they will appeal against the results.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye won over 54% of votes in Senegal's presidential election, with ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba taking over 35%, the Dakar appeals court said on Wednesday.
The court said the results were based on vote tallies from 100% of polling stations. They are expected to be confirmed by the Constitutional Council in the coming days.
The election recorded a voter turnout of 61%.
Ba, along with several of the other 15 presidential contestants, have already conceded and congratulated Mr Faye. It is considered unlikely that they will appeal against the results.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal’s top court confirms Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election victory
Senegal's Constitutional Council on Friday confirmed the presidential election victory of opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The top court validated provisional results announced on Wednesday based on vote tallies from 100 percent of polling stations.
Faye won more than 54% of votes in last Sunday's delayed presidential poll, with ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba taking over 35%.
Faye ,44, is due to be sworn in as Senegal's youngest president on Tuesday in the city of Diamniadio, according to the presidency.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal's Constitutional Council on Friday confirmed the presidential election victory of opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The top court validated provisional results announced on Wednesday based on vote tallies from 100 percent of polling stations.
Faye won more than 54% of votes in last Sunday's delayed presidential poll, with ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba taking over 35%.
Faye ,44, is due to be sworn in as Senegal's youngest president on Tuesday in the city of Diamniadio, according to the presidency.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🌍🇸🇳 African leaders in Senegal for Faye's inauguration
Several African leaders have arrived in Senegal for the inauguration of President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Faye won last month's delayed elections, securing 54% of the total votes ahead of his main challenger, ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba.
On Friday, the country’s constitutional council confirmed him as the winner of the election.
Security has been beefed up around the presidential palace ahead of the swearing-in.
About 15 heads of state are expected to attend the event on Tuesday, including Nigerian President and chair of the heads of state of the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, Bola Tinubu.
African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki and Ecowas commission President Omar Alieu Touray will also be present, local media report.
#Africa #Senegal
@africaintel
Several African leaders have arrived in Senegal for the inauguration of President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Faye won last month's delayed elections, securing 54% of the total votes ahead of his main challenger, ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba.
On Friday, the country’s constitutional council confirmed him as the winner of the election.
Security has been beefed up around the presidential palace ahead of the swearing-in.
About 15 heads of state are expected to attend the event on Tuesday, including Nigerian President and chair of the heads of state of the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, Bola Tinubu.
African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki and Ecowas commission President Omar Alieu Touray will also be present, local media report.
#Africa #Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal swears in former opposition figure Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal's fifth president, has been sworn into office at a ceremony in the capital, Dakar.
Faye was released from prison less than two weeks before the March 24 election, along with popular opposition figure and mentor Ousmane Sonko, following a political amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall. It is the former tax inspector's first time in elected office.
Faye became nation's fifth and youngest president ever, promising to restore stability and bring economic progress.
"The results of the election showed a profound desire for change," Faye said after taking the oath of office at a ceremony he attended with his two wives.
Over a dozen heads of state and regional representatives attended the inauguration, including Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal's fifth president, has been sworn into office at a ceremony in the capital, Dakar.
Faye was released from prison less than two weeks before the March 24 election, along with popular opposition figure and mentor Ousmane Sonko, following a political amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall. It is the former tax inspector's first time in elected office.
Faye became nation's fifth and youngest president ever, promising to restore stability and bring economic progress.
"The results of the election showed a profound desire for change," Faye said after taking the oath of office at a ceremony he attended with his two wives.
Over a dozen heads of state and regional representatives attended the inauguration, including Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Ousmane Sonko named as Senegal prime minister
New Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday appointed politician and key backer Ousmane Sonko as prime minister in his first act as president.
Sonko, an opponent of former President Macky Sall, is popular among the West African nation's youth but was barred from the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. He denied any wrongdoing.
Campaigning jointly under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko," Sonko urged supporters to vote for his top lieutenant, Faye, who ultimately won with over 54% of the vote in the first round.
Speaking after his appointment, Sonko said he would present Faye with a full list of proposed ministerial appointments for his approval.
"There will be no question of leaving him (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility", Sonko said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
New Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday appointed politician and key backer Ousmane Sonko as prime minister in his first act as president.
Sonko, an opponent of former President Macky Sall, is popular among the West African nation's youth but was barred from the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. He denied any wrongdoing.
Campaigning jointly under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko," Sonko urged supporters to vote for his top lieutenant, Faye, who ultimately won with over 54% of the vote in the first round.
Speaking after his appointment, Sonko said he would present Faye with a full list of proposed ministerial appointments for his approval.
"There will be no question of leaving him (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility", Sonko said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal's new government has been appointed, PM Sonko says
Senegal has a new government with 25 ministers and five junior ministers, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said on Friday, following the president's landslide election victory in March.
The cabinet was approved by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 44, who was inaugurated on Tuesday and appointed Sonko, a key backer, as prime minister. Faye succeeded President Macky Sall, whose 12-year presidency saw a rising wave of public discontent.
The cabinet will be closely watched after Faye made radical campaign promises such as dropping the CFA franc West African common currency. He has slightly backtracked on that pledge, but this week the former tax inspector promised an audit of the oil, gas and mining sectors.
❗️Key appointments include Cheikh Diba as finance minister. Diba was previously the finance ministry's director of budget programming. Abdourahmane Sarr was named economy minister.
The oil and energy ministry will be led by Birame Souleye Diop, who was vice president of Sonko and Faye's now dissolved Pastef party. Two generals were named interior and defence ministers.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Senegal has a new government with 25 ministers and five junior ministers, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said on Friday, following the president's landslide election victory in March.
The cabinet was approved by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 44, who was inaugurated on Tuesday and appointed Sonko, a key backer, as prime minister. Faye succeeded President Macky Sall, whose 12-year presidency saw a rising wave of public discontent.
The cabinet will be closely watched after Faye made radical campaign promises such as dropping the CFA franc West African common currency. He has slightly backtracked on that pledge, but this week the former tax inspector promised an audit of the oil, gas and mining sectors.
❗️Key appointments include Cheikh Diba as finance minister. Diba was previously the finance ministry's director of budget programming. Abdourahmane Sarr was named economy minister.
The oil and energy ministry will be led by Birame Souleye Diop, who was vice president of Sonko and Faye's now dissolved Pastef party. Two generals were named interior and defence ministers.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal's customs authorities have intercepted a record-breaking haul of cocaine, weighing 1,140kgs
The drug, concealed in packets and stashed in bags, was found in a lorry in the town of Kidira, near Mali's border.
Valued at $146 million, this haul marks the largest inland seizure of cocaine in Senegal. Such drug interceptions are becoming more frequent in the country, with a recent incident last November where the navy seized three tonnes of cocaine from a ship off the coast.
Senegal's strategic location makes it a key transit point for Latin American cartels trafficking drugs to Europe and beyond.
#Senegal
@africaintel
The drug, concealed in packets and stashed in bags, was found in a lorry in the town of Kidira, near Mali's border.
Valued at $146 million, this haul marks the largest inland seizure of cocaine in Senegal. Such drug interceptions are becoming more frequent in the country, with a recent incident last November where the navy seized three tonnes of cocaine from a ship off the coast.
Senegal's strategic location makes it a key transit point for Latin American cartels trafficking drugs to Europe and beyond.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳🇲🇷 Senegal: Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Mauritania for his first foreign visit
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected in Mauritania this Thursday, April 18, for his first official visit abroad. He will meet his counterpart Ould El Ghazouani.
It's a friendship and working visit that will last one day," explains the Senegalese presidency. The choice of Mauritania is explained first and foremost by the good relations between the two countries, with nationals living on both sides of the borders for a long time. President Ould Ghazouani is also current Chairman of the African Union.
This first official trip outside Senegal's borders reinforces President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's commitment to African integration. Several ministers are expected to accompany him, including Yacine Fall, Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, El Malick Ndiaye for Infrastructure, Fatou Diouf for Fisheries and Birame Souleye Diop for Energy.
One of the topics to be discussed is the large GTA gas field off the coast of both countries, whose long-awaited exploitation, initially scheduled for 2022, has been greatly delayed. Senegal's new president has also expressed his desire to renegotiate gas and oil contracts.
Another infrastructure-related topic: the Rosso bridge on the Senegalese-Mauritanian border, under construction since 2021, which will facilitate travel between the two countries.
Also on the agenda is fishing, with the renewal of the 500 licenses granted to Senegalese fishermen for access to Mauritanian waters, and security cooperation in the face of the jihadist threat in the region.
#Mauritania #Senegal
@africaintel
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected in Mauritania this Thursday, April 18, for his first official visit abroad. He will meet his counterpart Ould El Ghazouani.
It's a friendship and working visit that will last one day," explains the Senegalese presidency. The choice of Mauritania is explained first and foremost by the good relations between the two countries, with nationals living on both sides of the borders for a long time. President Ould Ghazouani is also current Chairman of the African Union.
This first official trip outside Senegal's borders reinforces President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's commitment to African integration. Several ministers are expected to accompany him, including Yacine Fall, Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, El Malick Ndiaye for Infrastructure, Fatou Diouf for Fisheries and Birame Souleye Diop for Energy.
One of the topics to be discussed is the large GTA gas field off the coast of both countries, whose long-awaited exploitation, initially scheduled for 2022, has been greatly delayed. Senegal's new president has also expressed his desire to renegotiate gas and oil contracts.
Another infrastructure-related topic: the Rosso bridge on the Senegalese-Mauritanian border, under construction since 2021, which will facilitate travel between the two countries.
Also on the agenda is fishing, with the renewal of the 500 licenses granted to Senegalese fishermen for access to Mauritanian waters, and security cooperation in the face of the jihadist threat in the region.
#Mauritania #Senegal
@africaintel
🇸🇳🇫🇷 Senegalese prime minister criticises French military bases on territory
Senegal's prime minister Ousmane Sonko raised the possibility of closing French military bases in the West African country in a wide-ranging speech that also touched on the euro-backed CFA franc currency, oil and gas deals.
Sonko, a firebrand politician who gained power when his hand-picked presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye won a decisive victory in March, is known for criticising perceived overreach by France in its former colony.
France has about 350 troops in Senegal.
"More than 60 years after our independence ... we must question the reasons why the French army for example still benefits from several military bases in our country and the impact of this presence on our national sovereignty and our strategic autonomy," Sonko said at a joint conference with the French left-wing politician Jean-Luc Melenchon in the capital Dakar.
Neighbours Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have pushed out French troops and turned to Russia for help fighting jihadist insurgencies on their territory.
They have also turned away from West African bloc ECOWAS - which condemned their coups - and formed their own alliance of Sahel states.
But Sonko had friendly words for them on Thursday.
"We will not let go of our brothers in the Sahel and we will do everything necessary to strengthen the ties," he said.
He also said Senegal, which shares the euro-pegged CFA franc currency with seven countries, would like a flexible currency pegged to at least two currencies to help absorb shocks and support export competitiveness.
During the election campaign, Faye had initially pledged to abandon the CFA franc but later backed off his promise. Sonko reiterated promises to renegotiate oil and gas contracts in Senegal, where production is due to begin this year.
#Senegal #France
@africaintel
Senegal's prime minister Ousmane Sonko raised the possibility of closing French military bases in the West African country in a wide-ranging speech that also touched on the euro-backed CFA franc currency, oil and gas deals.
Sonko, a firebrand politician who gained power when his hand-picked presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye won a decisive victory in March, is known for criticising perceived overreach by France in its former colony.
France has about 350 troops in Senegal.
"More than 60 years after our independence ... we must question the reasons why the French army for example still benefits from several military bases in our country and the impact of this presence on our national sovereignty and our strategic autonomy," Sonko said at a joint conference with the French left-wing politician Jean-Luc Melenchon in the capital Dakar.
Neighbours Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have pushed out French troops and turned to Russia for help fighting jihadist insurgencies on their territory.
They have also turned away from West African bloc ECOWAS - which condemned their coups - and formed their own alliance of Sahel states.
But Sonko had friendly words for them on Thursday.
"We will not let go of our brothers in the Sahel and we will do everything necessary to strengthen the ties," he said.
He also said Senegal, which shares the euro-pegged CFA franc currency with seven countries, would like a flexible currency pegged to at least two currencies to help absorb shocks and support export competitiveness.
During the election campaign, Faye had initially pledged to abandon the CFA franc but later backed off his promise. Sonko reiterated promises to renegotiate oil and gas contracts in Senegal, where production is due to begin this year.
#Senegal #France
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