A measure eagerly awaited by the Senegalese should begin to be implemented today: the reduction in prices of basic necessities. Yesterday, during the Council of Ministers, “ President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recalled that the high cost of living remained a priority for the government », reports the information site Senego. And ” he asked Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to announce this Thursday the decisions taken by the government to reduce the prices of certain consumer products and services. He also invited the government to take all necessary measures for the effective application of the approved prices which will be announced. »
“ This will be a sigh of relief for households. A glimmer of hope also against the high cost of living! », exclaims Seneweb.
“ The Senegalese can rub their hands “, welcomes DakarNews.
Promote “Senegalese consumption”
However, ” be careful of simple announcement effects », warns WalfQuotidien. WalfQuotidien which recalls that several price stabilization plans have been launched in recent years, including tax exemptions or the creation of reference stores, but without convincing results.
In fact, says WalfQuotidien« the solution lies in the reform of distribution circuits in certain sectors such as the meat market, potatoes, onions etc… (…) There is no secret, success lies in exploitation of agricultural products and the creation of conservation structures and distribution circuits for a good flow of local products. By gradually eliminating speculation, agreements and all obstacles to trade, prices will fall and “Senegalese consumers” will be able to triumph, still assures the newspaper. It is a long-term task which will come up against particular interests. To the Estate to play its part to make this country sovereign. »
Who will benefit from the oil windfall?
Another major economic hope: “ Finally, Senegal became an oil producing country, exclaims The Daily. The production of the first barrel from the Sangomar field, located off the coast of Senegal and constituting the first oil project offshore of the country, is now effective. »
Dakar Morning asks the obvious question: “Will the people benefit from it? (…) THE Senegal hopes to reach production of 100,000 barrels per day. A modest figure compared to global and African giants, but which should generate billions of dollars in revenue and accelerate the development of the country’s economy ». Exactly, points out the Dakar information site, “ dn many oil-producing African countries, the curse of black gold continues to wreak havoc on local populations. And Senegal would not want to fall into this trap. Producing oil, yes, but the management of the fallout from this black gold must be well managed in order to benefit the people and not those in power as is the case in certain African countries (…)! »
Yesterday, during the council of ministers, reports Seneweb« Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recalled that in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Senegal, natural resources belonged to the people and that they must be used to improve their living conditions. »
The pressured press…
Finally, the cold snap continues between the new power and the media… “ Ousmane Sonko has been under fire since his controversial release this weekend » on the press, points Senewebaccusing certain press companies which have a tax debt to the State of embezzlement.
Besides this morning, WalfQuotidien announces that his accounts have been blocked by the tax authorities. Newspaper comment: “ the double summons, in less than 24 hours, from the labor inspectorate, in the morning, and from the tax authorities in the afternoon. This borders on harassment. »
Comment from WakatSéra in Ouagadougou: “ Predators of the press are not only found in anti-democratic countries (…). We must offer the media the conditions to properly exercise this noble profession, by providing them, for example, with a tax regime which must not be that of other sectors. Because the press is a sector constantly weakened by several hazards, including pandemics, taxation and the fierce desire of politicians to control the content of productions. »
