Former Prime Minister Amadou Ba has underscored the urgent need for strengthened political dialogue and restored financial credibility in Senegal following a high-level meeting with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as part of the ongoing National Dialogue initiative.

National Dialogue: A critical step forward

Amadou Ba, one of several former heads of government consulted by the Head of State, described the initiative as a pivotal moment for the nation. He emphasized that deep, inclusive discussions are essential to address Senegal’s most pressing challenges effectively.

Key areas of discussion

During his meeting with the President at the Palais de la République, Amadou Ba highlighted several critical issues discussed, including the political landscape, proposed institutional reforms, and the economic and security challenges facing Senegal.

• Political stability and reforms: Amadou Ba called for extended deliberations on electoral reforms, suggesting an additional 10 to 15 days of discussions to foster stronger consensus. He stressed that “the country needs consensus, the country needs dialogue”, positioning his proposal not as an opposition stance but as a contribution to the national interest.
• Economic concerns: The former Finance Minister voiced serious concerns over the current economic climate and its global implications for Senegal. He noted that economic difficulties are already taking a heavy toll on citizens, amplifying the urgency for decisive action.
• International partnerships: Amadou Ba reflected on Senegal’s relationship with international financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He recalled that during his tenure, Senegal operated for years without an IMF financing program, yet maintained its financial credibility globally. Today, he warned that the economic context demands compromise to secure essential funding and investment for the country’s future.
• Financial ratings and borrowing costs: He also raised alarms about the successive downgrades in Senegal’s financial ratings, which he argued are inflating borrowing costs and limiting the state’s financial flexibility.
• Regional security: The discussions extended to the evolving security dynamics in the subregion, with Amadou Ba advocating for a broader dialogue on these issues and increased support for defense and security forces.

A call for unity beyond political divides

Reaffirming his opposition stance, Amadou Ba acknowledged that certain national issues transcend political divides. He urged a calm, collaborative approach to address the country’s challenges, concluding with a message of unity: “I remain in the opposition, and I will stay there. But some questions go beyond political divisions. We must work together calmly in the interest of the nation.”