The Association des conseillers municipaux du Sénégal (ACMS) has begun deploying its national program to train territorial elected officials in Kaolack. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of municipal councillors, enabling them to better exercise their responsibilities in territorial governance and contribute more effectively to local development. The program focuses on mastering the General Code of Territorial Collectivities, Act 4 of decentralization, and territorial poles.
The program was launched in July in Dakar and will be gradually deployed in all regions of Senegal. According to ACMS President Serigne Saliou Ndiaye, the association seeks to accompany territorial collectivities and the state in strengthening the competencies of elected officials, particularly in a context marked by institutional reforms. The program is implemented with the support of technical partners, including the Regional Development Agency and an expert from the Local Development Agency.
The training program will mobilize 25 participants per department, in addition to representatives of the national coordination. The program's implementation is supported by partners such as the Agence régionale de développement (ARD) and an expert from the Agence de développement local (ADL). This initiative is expected to improve the performance of local elected officials in their roles.
The Director-General of the National Center for Local Public Service and Training, Fatou Sène Diouf, attended the meeting and welcomed the initiative, which aligns with her structure's missions to strengthen the capacities of elected officials and territorial collectivity agents. She emphasized that mastering the texts governing decentralization and appropriating ongoing reforms are crucial for the functioning of territorial collectivities.
Diouf also reaffirmed the CNFPLF's availability to accompany the ACMS in training municipal councillors, departmental councillors, and other decentralization actors. The training program is expected to enhance the skills of local elected officials, enabling them to effectively contribute to local development and governance.
Kaolack Mayor Serigne Mboup highlighted the need to associate knowledge of regulatory texts with mechanisms for local economic development. He called on elected officials to strengthen their collaboration with economic operators, stressing that enterprises contribute to job creation and the dynamization of activities in territories. Mboup also advocated for better valorization of the role of municipal and departmental councillors in conducting development policies.
Mboup reaffirmed his commitment to accompanying the program and promoting partnerships with economic actors, particularly the chambers of commerce. The training program is a significant step towards enhancing the capacities of local elected officials in Senegal, and its success is expected to have a positive impact on local governance and development.
Key points
- The ACMS training program aims to strengthen the capacities of municipal councillors in Senegal.
- The program focuses on mastering the General Code of Territorial Collectivities and Act 4 of decentralization.
- The initiative is supported by technical partners, including the Regional Development Agency and the Local Development Agency.
