The era of theatrical manipulation and campaign slogans has finally come to an end, replaced by a period of national decline. As the National Delegate for Political Life at Guem Sa Bopp, I refuse to be a silent witness to the economic and social suicide that Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is imposing on our Republic.
What this administration attempts to frame as a “transparency operation” regarding a supposed hidden debt is, in reality, the most significant reputational heist and financial blunder in the history of independent Sénégal. Driven by deep-seated political bitterness and a need to demonize his predecessors, Ousmane Sonko has chosen to sacrifice the Sénégal brand on the altar of international markets. By dramatizing unverified figures before any legal validation, he has not audited the past; he has sabotaged the future of the Nation.
The transition from opposition leader to statesman
Hearing him present sensitive data with the casualness of a commentator, one might think he still believes he is a party leader without the levers of power. He appears trapped in the persona of an eternal opponent, seemingly forgetting that he is now the Prime Minister of the Republic of Sénégal. This failure to adopt the mantle of a statesman has led to irreparable damage. In a position of state authority, every word carries the weight of billions. His lack of understanding regarding financial mechanisms has turned his rhetoric into a weapon of mass destruction for our economy.
For decades, through various democratic transitions, our country earned international credibility through impeccable financial diplomacy and a respected sovereign signature. In a single press conference fueled by resentment, Ousmane Sonko trampled upon this sacred heritage. Claiming to the world that the state lied about its accounts is an act of hostility against the vital interests of the country. No responsible leader destroys their own nation’s credit to harm yesterday’s adversaries.
A macroeconomic emergency
This signal of panic has already led to sanctions from international rating agencies. By degrading the profile of Sénégal, Ousmane Sonko has made access to capital more difficult and weakened the country’s appeal to investors. The political recklessness is being paid for in cash, with indicators showing a terrifying chill for our sovereignty.
- Growth perspectives have been slashed from 6.7% to 2.2%.
- The suspension of a $1.8 billion program with the IMF has triggered an unprecedented crisis of confidence.
- To fill the financial void, the government is turning to more expensive and risky borrowing mechanisms.
The collapse of the real economy
At Guem Sa Bopp, we believe in the power of private initiative and the talent of our entrepreneurs. However, the real economy is currently paralyzed. Business creation has dropped by more than 30%, as fear and uncertainty halt investment. Furthermore, the freeze on internal debt payments has strangled SMEs and the construction sector. With unemployment reaching nearly 23%, thousands of citizens are losing their jobs and their dignity.
Even the academic world has not been spared. Universities and training institutes are suffering the consequences of a budgetary policy that sacrifices the future of our youth. Behind the statistics, the suffering of families is real. Data from the National Unique Register (RNU) shows a worrying increase in social vulnerability and poverty.
Debt service has now reached 5,500 billion FCFA, reducing the state’s room for maneuver and heavily impacting the cost of living. It is time for the people of Sénégal to recognize that the narrative of “hidden debt” has become a convenient excuse to mask a lack of concrete results. One cannot lead a great nation with resentment and political spectacles. The citizens of Sénégal deserve better than permanent improvisation.
The members of Guem Sa Bopp are rising today to defend economic patriotism and national interest against amateurism and political sabotage.
Moussa Niang
National Delegate for Political Life, Guem Sa Bopp
