Africa-Press. Senegalese President Macky Sall conducted an extensive two-hour interview with several national media outlets, featuring a journalist from a local broadcasting and television agency and two journalists from private channels.
The interview addressed the overall economic situation in the country, as well as the nature of relationships and disagreements within the government, particularly with the ruling party led by the Prime Minister.
During the interview, the president warned that the country is heading towards “tough times,” pointing to the increasing economic challenges facing Senegal, primarily the rising debt levels, which have already prompted the government to implement strict austerity measures.
He also cautioned about potential shocks in the future due to the significant rise in oil prices, linked to geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Sall explained that previous economic estimates were based on an oil price of $64.50 per barrel, while the current price is around $119, necessitating the government to double its efforts to secure supplies. He added that the continuation of this rise could lead the state to apply the true cost of living, referring to the possibility of reducing subsidies and increasing burdens on citizens.
Regarding his relationship with the Prime Minister, the president affirmed that trust still exists between them, despite acknowledging points of disagreement, particularly concerning electoral law reforms.
The Senegalese parliament recently approved amendments to the electoral law initiated by deputies from the ruling party, a move that has sparked widespread controversy. The opposition believes these amendments aim to pave the way for the Prime Minister to run in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for 2029.
He warned against what he described as the “personalization” of the political project, emphasizing that the initiative was not intended to serve any individual but is based on fundamental principles, adding that Senegal “does not need a savior, but a critical mass of citizens.”
The president noted that some citizens have lost their jobs and properties in the context of this project, stressing the need to separate the political idea from the individual representing it at a given time.
Sall also addressed the speculation surrounding the former president’s candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, clarifying that the Senegalese state did not support this nomination, as it was not informed of it and did not participate in any consultations regarding it.
