Economic development and political mobilization reported in Senegal and Burkina Faso

In Senegal, a forum organized by the WhatsApp platform ‘Ak Fi Rewmi Tolou 2’ was held in Mbacké to address the economic challenges of the holy city of Touba. Organizers aim to produce a document for state and religious authorities to foster a more inclusive economy. Mame Mor Ndiouck noted that while Touba is a major economic hub, its current ‘extroverted’ economic model does not sufficiently benefit local residents.

Dr. Abdoulaye Niane of the Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship for Women and Youth (DER/FJ) highlighted high unemployment rates, stating that over 47% of young men in the department are without employment or training, while the figure for young women ranges between 62% and 63%. The current economy remains heavily reliant on commerce and underdeveloped craftsmanship.

In Burkina Faso, the coordination of market and ‘yaar’ traders in Ouagadougou has called for a general mobilization on September 30 to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Progressive Popular Revolution (RPP). Traders expressed support for President Ibrahim Traoré, citing progress in national sovereignty and endogenous development, such as the inauguration of new processing factories.