Senegal’s future lies in balanced territorial development, says APS leader

In a series of high-impact meetings across France, Mr. Alioune Sarr, President of the Alliance for Senegal (APS/ANS), has outlined a bold vision for the country’s development, emphasizing the critical role of its regions in shaping a more equitable and prosperous future.

The heart and lungs of Senegal

Addressing members of the Senegalese diaspora in Paris, Massy, and Creil, Mr. Sarr drew a powerful analogy to illustrate his point: « Dakar is the heart of Senegal, but its territories are the lungs. No nation can thrive with just one functioning organ. » He stressed that sustainable growth must emerge from the synergy between urban centers and rural areas, where each region contributes its unique strengths to the national economy.

A call to mobilize the diaspora

The President’s tour through French cities was not merely a political engagement—it was a mission to rekindle the diaspora’s role as a driving force for development. At gatherings in the Foyer Les Mûriers (Paris) and Massy (Essonne), he urged compatriots to move beyond symbolic participation and become active investors, job creators, and partners in local projects. « The diaspora is not an ATM; it is an open ministry of development, » he declared, urging a shift from remittances to tangible contributions.

In Creil (Oise), the mobilization was particularly strong, with Ms. Amy Faye, APS’s political coordinator in France, leading discussions on how the diaspora can align its skills and resources with national priorities. The message was clear: Senegal’s progress depends on collective effort, where every voice—whether in Dakar or Diourbel—has a part to play.

Rejecting centralized models

Mr. Sarr was unequivocal in his critique of Senegal’s long-standing centralized development model, which, he argued, has perpetuated inequality by funneling resources into a handful of urban hubs. « When decisions are made solely from the center, territories stagnate. When territories take the lead, the nation moves forward, » he asserted. His solution? A decentralized approach where local governments, businesses, and communities drive growth tailored to their needs.

He highlighted the Notto Diobasse Smart City project as a blueprint for this philosophy. By transforming underutilized land into hubs of innovation, production, and education, such initiatives can unlock economic potential across regions. « Senegal will not develop from Dakar outward. It will develop from the territories inward, » he proclaimed.

Land as a catalyst for transformation

A recurring theme in his speeches was the urgent need to rethink the value of land. « A hectare has no worth simply because it is sold; its true value lies in what it produces, » he argued. Comparing the sale of undeveloped land to exporting raw materials, he called for a paradigm shift: « Nations that prosper do not sell their resources—they refine them. » For Mr. Sarr, land development is the cornerstone of job creation, food security, and long-term wealth.

A new national pact

The tour concluded with a rallying cry for a « New National Pact » built on three pillars: empowered territories, an engaged diaspora, and unapologetic economic sovereignty. « We are not here to manage the future; we are here to build it, » he told the crowds, leaving no doubt about his commitment to a Senegal that leaves no region—or citizen—behind.