In Ziguinchor, Senegal, members of the Kiiraay-Les patriotes party took to the streets to express their discontent with the rejection of the rectified and initial finance laws by parliament. The protests, which took place on November 15, 2026, were led by party officials and youth members. They carried placards and chanted slogans criticizing the rejection of the budget laws and calling for greater transparency. The protests aimed to draw attention to the consequences of the rejection and to sensitize the population to the importance of the budget vote.
The rejection of the finance laws has been met with strong criticism from Kiiraay-Les patriotes members, who argue that it will hinder the development of the Casamance region. Idrissa Benjamin Sané, a party official and president of the IBS 2027 movement, stated that the rejection of the laws will particularly affect the region, which is already facing numerous challenges. He noted that the rectified finance law was supposed to fund several key projects, including the reconstruction of the Émile Badiane bridge, the construction of a level 3 hospital, and the realization of the Bignona-Diouloulou road.
Seydou Sané, a member of the party, also expressed his indignation at the rejection of the budget laws, describing it as an act of sabotage that will hinder the functioning of the state. He emphasized that it is difficult to understand why the finance laws were rejected in Senegal, a country that needs a budget to function. Sané warned that the population will draw the consequences of this situation at the appropriate time.
The protests were not only a demonstration of discontent but also an effort to educate citizens about the importance of the budget vote. Alassane Faty, a technical advisor to the Minister of Armed Forces, explained that the mobilization was a constitutional right aimed at expressing disagreement with the rejection of the budget laws and sensitizing the population to their importance.
The Kiiraay-Les patriotes party is demanding greater responsibility from the people's representatives, arguing that political differences should not compromise the investments expected by the population. The party members believe that the rejection of the budget laws will have negative consequences for the Casamance region and the country as a whole.
The protests in Ziguinchor reflect a broader concern about the impact of the budget laws on the development of the Casamance region. The region has been facing numerous challenges, including infrastructure deficits and limited access to basic services. The Kiiraay-Les patriotes party is calling for greater investment in the region to address these challenges.
The rejection of the finance laws has sparked a national debate about the role of parliament in approving budget laws. The Commission des finances de l’Assemblée nationale has defended its approach, while some politicians have called for greater transparency and accountability in the budget-making process. The issue remains a contentious one in Senegalese politics.
Key points
- The protests in Ziguinchor were led by the Kiiraay-Les patriotes party, which is demanding greater responsibility from the people's representatives.
- The rejection of the finance laws has been met with strong criticism from Kiiraay-Les patriotes members, who argue that it will hinder the development of the Casamance region.
- The protests aimed to draw attention to the consequences of the rejection and to sensitize the population to the importance of the budget vote.
