The engagement of the armed forces in national development has evolved significantly in Senegal, moving from limited support to active and strategic participation in different areas. On the occasion of the 8th edition of the Citizen Mobilization Day “Setal sunu reew” under the theme “Setal sa gox, aar sa yaram, the Armed Forces are committed”, Le Soleil revisits the Army-Nation concept and its evolution in time.
It is a well-anchored reality in Senegal: the Senegalese defense and security forces are devoted to their country. They embody the perfect example of discipline, patriotism and civic engagement. Deeply republican, they maintain close relations with the population. This is how the concept of Nation-Army emerged, which has undergone variations from 1960 to today, influenced by various political, economic, environmental and social factors. Playing a fundamental role in Senegal’s development model, it highlights the privileged link between the armed forces and the populations. Better yet, it symbolizes an integrative vision where the armed forces, beyond their defense and security missions, actively participate in national development.
This model has been forged over decades to meet the nation’s needs in terms of security, social cohesion and infrastructure strengthening. In a document entitled: “Renovated Army-Nation Concept”, Air Corps General Mamadou Mansour Seck indicates that the armed forces, from 1960 to 1970, that is to say under the Senghorian era, played an important role in the socio-economic development of the country. Their role was mainly to provide one-off support for infrastructure, agriculture and relief in the event of an emergency or crisis. Their priority remains the defense of the territory and the constitutional State.
The same document mentions that between 1970 and 1980, the military were mobilized for emergency projects and specific development missions, such as the construction of hydraulic infrastructures, vaccination campaigns and the extension of agricultural areas, in particularly in strategic areas or in cases of urgent needs. Their direct involvement in development was thus limited to occasional interventions, especially in cases of emergency or crisis.
Under the presidency of Abdou Diouf, between 1980 and 2000, the involvement of the armed forces in development decreased, being restricted to emergency interventions. This situation was due to several factors, including an economic crisis marked by structural adjustment programs imposed by the IMF and the World Bank, leading to budget cuts and a reduction in public spending, including in the military sectors. In addition, the Casamance crisis weighed on internal security.
Under the presidency of Abdoulaye Wade, emphasis was placed on public-private partnerships and international financing to carry out large projects, which led to a notable decrease in the involvement of the armed forces in development. Their role was then limited to specific missions (such as the Reva and Goana Plan) and to interventions in the event of crises such as floods and droughts. In short, according to our source, between 1960 and 2012, the armed forces played a limited role in the socio-economic development of Senegal.
Their main mission was focused on territorial defense, national security and the protection of state institutions. Their contribution to socio-economic development was therefore marginal and often linked to emergency or crisis situations, such as natural disasters. It was under the presidency of Macky Sall (2012-2024) that the commitment of the armed forces to development increased considerably thanks to a strengthening of human, material and financial resources. President Macky Sall has redefined the concept of Nation-Army to establish a strategic and multi-sectoral involvement of the armed forces in socio-economic development, in support of the Emerging Senegal Plan.
Thus, the armed forces began to actively contribute to infrastructure, agriculture, health and education, particularly in remote areas. This approach has strengthened their role as integrated and proactive development actors, going well beyond their traditional military missions and contributing to the modernization of Senegal. The concept of a “new” Army-Nation continues and develops under the presidency of Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, as part of the Senegal 2050 Sovereignty and Endogenous Development Project. President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye sees the armed forces as a key player in national development and encourages their active participation in economic and social projects.
