In an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Senegal, Dr Franck CARLOS, economist and president of the Network of Former Jécists of Africa Senegal Section, presents his vision of sustainable development adapted to Senegalese realities. This text, initially published on the website of our colleagues at Le Quotidien, invites us to rethink the fundamentals of national development.
Dr CARLOS underlines the need for Senegal to rely on relevant economic indicators in order to guide its socio-economic policies. Previous initiatives have often failed to truly improve living conditions, with illegal immigration persisting and young people facing uncertainty. This observation therefore calls for an in-depth examination of the use of indicators with a view to truly sustainable development adapted to each region of the country.
The author proposes sustainable development based on six axes: the identifiable, the stable, the reliable, the viable, the livable and the equitable. According to him, each region of Senegal, from Baol to Casamance, must shape its development according to its socio-cultural specificities. This development must be anchored in strong institutions, serving popular aspirations rather than personal powers.
Dr CARLOS goes on to explain that viable sustainable development takes into account the environment and the impact of human activities, such as rapid urban development and CO2 emissions. For him, development must be livable, based on solid societal values which reflect the common and lasting objectives of a society.
Finally, the economist pleads for equitable development, avoiding any form of social or religious inequality, and conducive to stability and social justice. It calls for equitable distribution of the fruits of development, thereby promoting a sense of shared progress among the population.
Dr CARLOS concluded by expressing the hope that these suggestions will inspire the Prime Minister’s mandate to make Senegal a model of sustainable development, as reported by Le Quotidien.
Senegal
