Pastef’s new regime seems to share this same determination. The justice reform he advocates represents a veritable declaration of war on impunity. “Corruption and extortion will be fought without weakness,” announced Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko during his general policy declaration. Gone are the days of profiteers and influence peddlers. Make way for transparency, responsibility and accountability! Accountability is required.
With the arrival of this new regime, expectations have never been higher. Citizens, tired of broken promises and cyclical speeches, are demanding transparent governance. Accountability is a moral necessity and an essential condition for building a better future. The state must actively engage in investigating and sanctioning all questionable financial practices, especially when large segments of the population struggle to meet their daily needs. Indeed, accountability represents a powerful lever for restoring trust between leaders and citizens. The government must heed this call and act with determination.
Rigorous control mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure that every franc spent is justified and that every contract awarded is transparent. This is not only beneficial to the state, but also sends a strong message to investors, both domestic and international, thereby strengthening Senegal’s appeal as a preferred destination.
However, accountability goes well beyond simply fighting corruption; it is the very essence of a living democracy. By opening the doors to information, the government allows active participation of citizens. The Senegalese do not want to be content to be spectators of their future; they want to play an active role in it. Transparency and accountability reinforce this commitment, thus allowing each individual to exercise their right to view and act.
This dynamic also creates a virtuous circle of improvement. With informed and engaged citizens, political leaders will naturally be pushed to improve the quality of their decisions. Effective accountability means that publicly funded projects truly meet the needs of the population.
The time for half measures is over. The new regime must seize this exceptional opportunity to transform Senegalese governance. This requires rigorous and courageous choices, as well as a strategic desire to move the State towards a culture of integrity and sobriety.
The challenge is immense, but the benefits are worth it. A society where accountability is the norm will be fertile ground for development. The State must be supported in this approach unconditionally, but above all without any demagoguery.
Sheikh Seck,
Strategy Advisor – Montreal
[email protected]
Senegal
