One year into his presidency, Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration has sparked both praise and criticism, with divided opinions on its progress in economic reforms, anti-corruption efforts, and food security.

While some supporters believe Senegal is on the right track, they stress the need for openness to feedback.

> “The project is so far good. We're confident it is going to work. But they have to accept criticism,” said a young resident of Dakar.



However, others express disappointment, arguing that the government has yet to deliver on its promises.

> “We haven't seen any of the promises from the government [implemented]. They had asked us to fight by promising young people projects and assuring us that there would be work. But we haven't seen anything yet,” lamented a motorcycle taxi driver.



Key Reforms and Criticism

Since taking office, Faye has implemented measures to curb food inflation, ordered an audit of the previous administration, and launched efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector. However, opposition figures remain skeptical.

> “This is indeed a disappointment. Insofar as the referential document is concerned, there are no projects they have launched that actually emanate from their referential called Senegal Vision 2050. I think that, for the time being, we need to find mechanisms to revive our economy,” said opposition leader Mouhamdou M. Mane.



Government’s Defense and Analyst Opinions

In response, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s government has introduced policies aimed at cleaning up public administration, cutting waste, and improving financial management.

Some political analysts acknowledge progress in these areas.

> “I consider the balance sheet to be generally positive. When you look at two laws, justice, which was a bit of a weak point and was much criticized, he organized a conference on justice,” noted political analyst Mamadou Thior.



As expectations remain high, many Senegalese are looking to Faye’s administration for concrete economic and social improvements in his second year in office.