During a visit by European Council President Charles Michel, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the need for a ‘rethought’ partnership with the EU. Faye, who took office on April 2, has pledged to implement radical changes and restore Senegal’s ‘sovereignty’ over key sectors.
Faye stated that the Senegal-EU partnership is ‘dense and multifaceted,’ but he emphasized the importance of revamping it to support the ‘innovative dynamic’ Senegal seeks to establish in its relations with the EU. He has announced plans to renegotiate oil and gas contracts, as well as fishing agreements with the EU. Fishing is a crucial industry for Senegal, but it faces challenges related to overexploitation of marine stocks.
Michel acknowledged that addressing challenging issues, such as fisheries, should not be avoided if it leads to ‘improvements for both sides.’ Faye outlined Senegal’s strategy for fostering internal development, focusing on agriculture, livestock, and fishing, while also investing in infrastructure such as railways, electricity grids, telecommunications, and roads. He welcomed European investors with expertise in these sectors.
Michel expressed Europe’s vested interest in Senegal’s ability to address development, economic growth, and the improvement of living conditions for its citizens.
