Considering the West African Nation of Senegal

One African country with a highly active political life is Senegal, a West African nation with a capital city on the western-most edge of the continent. President Abdoulaya Wade, in office since 2000 and incumbent until 2012, has played the game of politics for decades, spending many years as part of the opposition. His son Karim Wade, rumored to be a possible successor to the presidency, recently lost out on a chance to become mayor of Dakar, the capital, although he did gain the relatively minor post of city councilor following the March vote. Coalition government is the rule in Senegal, which boasts 70 to 80 or more political parties at any one time. The current ruling coalition is the Sopi, an alliance of the liberal-leaning Senegalese Democratic Party, the largest political grouping in the country, and a handful of minor parties.

Economic prosperity has stalled in this country, as in most others, due to the worldwide recession. One obvious indication of this is the recent sharp fall-off in remittances from Senegalese living and working abroad. Moreover, growing problems of inflation, unemployment, illiteracy, and drug trafficking have caused considerable disenchantment among the populace, with most people largely unaffected by an infrastructure boom and attention from foreign investors. For example, a broad highway linking the airport with downtown Dakar benefits few but looks great to tourists and visiting businessmen. Meanwhile, impoverished Senegalese set sail for Europe to try their fortune, and many are lost at sea. At least funds contributed by USAID may provide significant food assistance for remote areas in Senegal this year.

In general, international relations are friendly with neighbors, former colonial power France, overseas countries, and the United States. China's President Hu Jintao stopped over in Dakar during his 5-nation tour in February. Internally, Casamance, a southern border region with a longstanding separatist movement, is relatively calm at present and not actively sparking conflicts with Guinea-Bissau, despite concerns over the recent assassination of Guinea-Bissau's head of state. A plan to try exiled Chadian dictator Hissene Habre, resident in Dakar for nearly twenty years now, is apparently moving forward, if slowly. Insisting that Habre be called to account now for human rights crimes is Belgium, which has petitioned the International Court of Justice regarding the case. In another matter, high-level Senegalese efforts to mediate the coup-related crisis in neighboring Mauritania have not so far succeeded, although observers remain hopeful.

On the environmental front, Senegal, like many Sahel-region countries, struggles with deforestation and desertification. With few trees, finding fuel for cooking and warmth can be difficult; and long-burning charcoal, made from trees, has become rather expensive. Recently introduced in some areas of the country is an alternative fuel source dubbed green charcoal, a black charcoal substitute made from agricultural waste like nut shells or cotton stems. French non-governmental agency ProNatura is the sponsor for the project and also hopes to organize similar waste-to-fuel opportunities in other African countries.

Democratic values remain important in this country, though it is surrounded by other nations with relatively chaotic regimes. Despite current problems and issues, from worries over the health of its octogenarian leader to rumors of corruption and intimidation of the free press, Senegal's prospects still look good. Oil exploration off its coast continues apace, and international airlines are making Dakar an important destination, not just a refueling stop-over location. Investment in mobile telephone businesses is growing. On the health front, widespread use of mosquito netting has cut deaths related to malaria. So, still a work in progress, like most nations, is the Republic of Senegal.

"Senegal polls deliver blow to president and son", Reuters
"Shadows Grow Across One of Africa's Bright Lights", New York Times
"Senegal defends mediation role in Mauritanian political crisis", Afriquejet
"Belgium takes Senegal to world court in Chad case", Boston.com/AP
"USAID Provides $3.7 million to Assist with Global Food Security in Senegal", USAID.gov
"Senegal: Can 'Green Charcoal' Help Save the Trees?", AllAfrica.com