The president of Senegal's Association of Mayors (AMS), Omar BA, has emphasized the need for more resources and a better status for local elected officials. Speaking at a statutory meeting of the association's bureau, BA highlighted the importance of strengthening the means of local authorities and securing the status of local elected officials. This comes as the country implements its fourth phase of decentralization.
BA reported a positive assessment of the AMS's actions despite a challenging socio-political context. He noted that the association has consolidated its institutional anchorage and maintained dialogue with the state and its partners. The AMS has been actively engaged in exchanges with institutions and agencies involved in territorial development. BA expressed loyalty to the Republic while being free to assess and negotiate the decentralization process.
A major concern for the AMS is the implementation of the fourth phase of decentralization, known as Acte IV. BA stated that the association will support reforms while defending the interests of local authorities. To achieve this, the AMS advocates for clearer competencies, secured financing, a strengthened local administration, and improved status for elected officials. These measures aim to make the decentralization process more effective and applicable to territorial realities.
BA identified two significant challenges facing communes in Senegal. The first is the insufficiency of resources transferred to local authorities, which often leaves mayors struggling to respond to population demands and manage competencies not officially transferred to them. BA noted that mayors are frequently managing competencies that are not officially theirs. This situation highlights the need for more substantial resource allocation to local authorities.
The second major challenge concerns the status of local elected officials. As representatives of both the population and the state, mayors face significant responsibilities that require greater guarantees. BA emphasized the need to secure mayors in the execution of their functions, given their dual role. This would enable them to perform their duties more effectively and make informed decisions for their constituents.
The AMS's proposals for Acte IV focus on addressing these challenges. By advocating for more resources and a better status for elected officials, the association aims to enhance the effectiveness of decentralization. BA expressed hope that this new phase will lead to a reform that is both useful and applicable to territorial realities. This, in turn, should improve the lives of Senegalese citizens and promote more efficient local governance.
The Association of Mayors, under BA's leadership, continues to play a vital role in shaping Senegal's decentralization process. With its commitment to defending local authorities' interests and promoting effective governance, the AMS is likely to remain a key player in the country's development. As Senegal moves forward with Acte IV, the association's recommendations will be crucial in determining the success of decentralization efforts.
Key points
- The Association of Mayors calls for clearer competencies and secured financing for local authorities.
- The AMS advocates for a better status for local elected officials to enhance their effectiveness.
- Senegal's decentralization process aims to promote more efficient local governance and improve citizens' lives.
