Senegal's New Government Aims to Cut Spending Through Administrative Consolidation

Senegal's newly elected government, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has announced plans to reduce state spending by consolidating administrative offices. While the faces in public governance have changed following the recent presidential election, the policies remain largely consistent with those of the previous administration under former President Macky Sall.

The new government has outlined five policy directions that align with Sall's previous commitments, including modernizing public administration, promoting good governance, and addressing the concerns of young people and women. However, the government has not yet finalized its action plan and is expected to rely heavily on the existing Priority Action Plan (PAP) of the Emerging Senegal Programme (PSE).

To secure funding for their policies, the new authorities will need to engage with international donors and financial partners, as they cannot unilaterally change the agenda or pace of work of these partners. The government appears to be continuing the previous administration's policies, with a focus on reducing state spending through administrative consolidation.

Why this matters: Senegal's peaceful transition of power and the new government's commitment to reducing state spending and addressing key issues such as youth unemployment and the high cost of living are seen as positive developments for democracy and economic stability in West Africa, a region that has faced political instability and military coups in recent years.

The election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who presented himself as anti-establishment, was seen as a symbol of hope for democracy in the region. The Senegalese people, supported by civil society, religious leaders, and the international community, were able to put the country's democratic governance trajectory back on track through the ballot box, despite initial concerns about political turmoil and attempts by former President Macky Sall to postpone the elections unconstitutionally.

Key Takeaways

• Senegal's new govt plans to reduce state spending through administrative consolidation.
• New policies align with previous administration's commitments, including modernizing public admin.
• Govt to rely on existing Emerging Senegal Programme, engage with int'l donors for funding.
• Peaceful power transition and focus on reducing spending seen as positive for democracy.
• Election of 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye symbolizes hope for democracy in West Africa.