Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has expressed his support for former President Macky Sall's candidacy for the UN Secretary-General role, despite skepticism about his chances. In an interview with France 24 and RFI on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Faye highlighted Sall's experience with debt and his commitment to fighting for Africa's interests. Sall's term as Senegalese president gave him insight into the burden of debt that many developing countries face.
Faye defended the $2.2 billion aid programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September, which aims to help Senegal address its financial challenges. The programme comes as Senegal grapples with revelations of hidden debt and a larger financial burden than previously thought. Faye emphasized that the IMF agreement is crucial for Senegal's economic stability and development.
The Senegalese president also addressed concerns about the amended budget, which is set to come before MPs. Some members of his former party, Pastef, have accused him of betrayal and submitting to the IMF. Faye urged his former party members to show "patriotic behaviour" and support the budget, emphasizing that the only thing he could possibly betray is the oath he took to serve the Senegalese people.
Faye discussed his decision to dismiss Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, citing persistent disagreements on certain issues. He emphasized that the split was not related to his determination to move forward with the IMF programme. Senegal is moving forward, and the Republic continues to function, Faye said.
The president also addressed the law criminalizing homosexuality, which was signed on 31 March. Faye responded to criticism from the international community, including France and the United Nations, by emphasizing Senegal's sovereignty and right to make its own legislative choices. He drew parallels with other countries that have legalized same-sex marriage, which Senegal did not react to.
Faye discussed the security situation in neighbouring Mali and the broader Sahel region, expressing concern about the potential for violence to spread to Senegal. He emphasized that Senegal is taking necessary measures to prevent terrorist attacks, including intelligence sharing with other countries. The president also highlighted the importance of protecting migrants and preventing them from falling into the hands of smugglers and human traffickers.
As chair of Ecowas, Faye aims to maintain regional stability and cooperation, despite the departure of three Sahel states. He respected the sovereign right of the three countries to decide whether to belong to Ecowas or not. Faye's comments come as Senegal prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, with a focus on security and preventing terrorist attacks.
Key points
- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye supports Macky Sall's candidacy for UN Secretary-General, citing his experience with debt and commitment to African interests.
- Faye defends $2.2 billion IMF aid programme aimed at addressing Senegal's financial challenges.
- The Senegalese president emphasizes his government's commitment to protecting the purchasing power of the poorest citizens, with measures including family support payments and recruitment of teachers and healthcare workers.
