Senegal’s newly elected president Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for a “rethought” of relations with the EU during a visit by European Council President Charles Michel, according to African media.
Faye, who took office on April 2, was elected on promises of radical reforms and the restoration of national “sovereignty” over crucial industries.
The country’s leader spoke at a joint press conference with Michel on Monday, April 22. Faye stated that co-operation between Senegal and Europe was “dense and multifaceted, but together we want a rethought, renovated partnership (…) capable of supporting the innovative dynamic we want to imprint on our relations.”
The gradual reduction of the budget deficit is also a priority for the Government. It will involve improving the quality of public spending and more efficient taxation.
As part of his promised reforms, Fay recently announced a renegotiation of oil and gas contracts and hoped to do the same with the fisheries agreements signed with the EU. Fishing is an important part of Senegal’s economy, but the industry is facing the consequences of overexploitation of marine stocks.
Faye stated that his government would follow a model of encouraging development from within, focusing on agriculture, livestock and fisheries, as well as reinforcing infrastructure, such as railways, electricity grids, telecommunications, and roads.
European investors whose companies have recognised skills in these different sectors are welcome.
The President of the European Council declared that Europe had an “objective interest in Senegal being able to meet the challenges of development, economic emergence and improvement of the living conditions of the people.”
