Faith Nyasuguta
One year into his presidency, Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s leadership has drawn both praise and criticism. Elected in March 2024 with promises of economic reform, anti-corruption measures, and food sovereignty, Faye and his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, pledged a bold new direction for Senegal. However, reactions to their performance so far are mixed.
In his first months in office, Faye’s administration moved quickly to tackle rising living costs, implementing measures to stabilize prices on essential goods like bread, oil, and sugar. The government also launched audits in key sectors such as oil, gas, and mining, aiming to enhance transparency and hold the previous administration accountable. Supporters view these actions as laying the foundation for long-term reform, but many Senegalese say they have yet to feel the impact in their daily lives.
Youth unemployment remains a major concern. A motorcycle taxi driver voiced his frustration, saying, “We haven’t seen any of the promises from the government [implemented]. They asked us to fight by promising young people projects and assuring us there would be work. But we haven’t seen anything yet.” For the young voters who backed Faye in hopes of a better future, progress feels slow.
The opposition has been quick to criticize. Mouhamdou M. Mane, an opposition leader, argued, “This is indeed a disappointment. As far as the government’s Senegal Vision 2050 is concerned, there are no projects they’ve launched that actually align with it. We need real mechanisms to revive our economy.”
Still, some observers believe the administration is taking meaningful steps. Political analyst Mamadou Thior offered a more positive assessment, stating, “I consider the balance sheet to be generally positive. When you look at areas like justice, which had been heavily criticized, Faye organized a national conference to address key issues. That’s a step in the right direction.”
In October 2024, the government unveiled “Senegal 2050,” an ambitious plan aiming to decentralize the economy, triple per capita GDP, and reduce poverty rates. However, critics argue the plan lacks concrete actions and adequate consultation with economic players.
Faye’s administration has also begun reviewing oil and gas contracts awarded by the previous government, seeking better terms for Senegal. Supporters see this as reclaiming national resources, but some fear it may deter foreign investment.
As Faye enters his second year, the Senegalese people expect more, particularly in job creation and economic growth. Whether his administration can turn bold promises into tangible results will shape both his legacy and Senegal’s future.
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