Under the leadership of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal is undergoing a significant political and economic transformation. At the forefront of this shift is Yassine Fall, the Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, whose priorities center on national sovereignty, financial transparency, and sustainable development.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Yassine Fall outlined the government’s strategic directions, demonstrating a commitment to both domestic and international reforms. “We came to power with a strong sense of responsibility and a promise of systemic change,” the minister stated. This promise translates into a firm commitment to building a sovereign and prosperous Senegal, addressing internal and external challenges with a pragmatic approach that respects national priorities.
One of the government’s major commitments is national sovereignty, exemplified by the decision to withdraw French military bases from Senegalese territory. “Requesting the French army to leave does not mean severing ties with France but asserting our right to national sovereignty,” Yassine Fall clarified. This statement reflects a clear desire to reposition Senegal on the international stage as an independent nation capable of forging balanced partnerships with its allies while affirming its military and diplomatic autonomy.
The minister also addressed economic issues, particularly the management of public finances. She criticized the legacy of insufficient transparency in managing public resources, characterized by high debt levels and poor financial oversight. “The level of debt and mismanagement of resources were far worse than expected,” Yassine Fall revealed, emphasizing the need for a transparent policy to build a solid and sustainable economic future for Senegalese citizens. This shift is particularly significant within the framework of Vision 2050, a 25-year program aiming to transform the nation.
She further elaborated on the government’s economic ambitions under Vision 2050, a long-term project focusing on utilizing natural resources, particularly in agriculture and energy, for the benefit of Senegalese citizens. “We want to exploit our resources so that they first benefit Senegalese people,” she highlighted, pointing out priorities like natural resource transformation, agricultural development, and rural advancement. This program aligns with a sustainable development philosophy, aiming to preserve ecosystems while fostering economic growth and job creation.
Recent discoveries of oil and gas were also discussed. The minister announced plans to renegotiate certain contracts with foreign companies operating in these sectors. “It’s not about expelling companies but ensuring a fair distribution of profits,” she clarified, underscoring the need to prioritize Senegalese citizens in benefiting from natural resources.
Strengthening African Integration
As Minister of African Integration, Yassine Fall emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for the continent’s development. She highlighted Senegal’s role as a gateway to West Africa, stressing the need for the country to play a key role in regional integration. “Senegal is the gateway to a market of 500 million people in West Africa, which will grow to one billion by 2050,” the minister stated, calling for sustainable partnerships to ensure Africa’s resources benefit its citizens first.
Senegal’s diplomatic orientation has taken on a new dimension, particularly through its strengthened ties with Morocco. During an official visit to Rabat, Yassine Fall expressed Senegal’s intention to enhance economic and diplomatic cooperation with the kingdom, especially ahead of the bilateral joint commission scheduled for early 2025. The minister praised the “solidarity, friendship, and economic cooperation” between the two countries and expressed her desire to deepen these relations, including through the recently approved Atlantic Gas Pipeline project by ECOWAS.
“I’m delighted to meet my brother, His Excellency Minister Bourita, with whom I regularly discuss African issues and the Atlantic partnership, particularly regarding the gas pipeline,” Yassine Fall said. She also extended an invitation to her Moroccan counterpart and King Mohammed VI to make an official visit to Senegal in the coming months.
