Among the flagship proposals of the Bunt Bi Citizens’ Union, the reform of decentralization and the industrialization of the country feature prominently. Fatimata Sylla emphasized the need to divide Senegal into five large regions (Great West, Great East, Great Center, Great North and Great South), in order to better manage resources and promote harmonious development of the territory. This division aims to eradicate inequalities between regions and provide modern infrastructure, particularly in the health sector.
“We no longer want a Senegalese to have to leave Tambacounda to come for treatment in Dakar. Each region must have its own reference hospital with quality equipment,” said Awa Cheikh Mbengue, emphasizing the importance of an allocation equitable resources for the establishment of these autonomous mega-regions.
The industrialization of the country is also a major axis of their program. They envisage massive job creation thanks to the establishment of large industrial companies in each region, promoting the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support these major projects and thus eradicate unemployment.
Another flagship proposal from the Sylla-Mbengue duo concerns the management of immigration. They insisted on the need for circular immigration in collaboration with the European Union, in order to offer young Senegalese work opportunities in better conditions, while avoiding the human tragedies linked to illegal departures to Europe.
“We want our young people to be able to travel legally and work in Europe, not on precarious boats, but in working conditions that respect their rights,” they declared, specifying that this measure would make it possible to reduce the phenomenon of “barsakh ” and to offer sustainable solutions to young people looking for opportunities.
Gender equality and the revision of the family code are also priorities for Fatimata Sylla and Awa Cheikh Mbengue. They denounced the discrimination suffered by women, particularly with regard to family benefits and unequal treatment within the framework of social security. According to them, it is crucial that women, who bear the burden of families, benefit equitably from social rights, particularly during pregnancy and maternity leave.
“Women contribute to social security, but when they are on maternity leave, they do not receive the amount they should receive. We demand a reform that will allow a rebalancing of family benefits, because women are the backbone of the family,” they said.
They also called for a review of family law, particularly with regard to parental delegation after a divorce, so that absent fathers can no longer benefit from this right if they do not contribute to the maintenance of their children. .
Finally, they expressed their desire to strengthen the representation of women in decision-making bodies, affirming that their presence in the highest echelons of power is not only necessary but essential to build a just and equitable Senegal.
“We want women to be fully represented and their rights protected. We will be spokespersons for all those who suffer in silence and we will fight so that every woman, every mother, can have access to her rights and to equal opportunities”, concluded Fatimata Sylla
