Young Senegalese Still Await Promised Change

DAKAR, 28 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Wally Faye had high hopes for his future when Senegal’s youngest president came to power with promises of radical reform. However, a year on, the 29-year-old remains unemployed, unable to support his parents or plan for marriage.

Faye, who holds a master’s degree in geography, has been without work since 2019. Like many young Senegalese, he voted for change, seeking a new direction under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his charismatic Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.

“I never imagined I would still be in the same situation. I thought that within five or six months, things would improve. But that has not been the case,” said Faye, who hails from Touba, a central city in Senegal. Despite his predicament, he continues to believe in the new administration.

Youth Unemployment: A Lingering Crisis

Senegal’s youthful population remains at the heart of its economic challenges. With three-quarters of the nation’s citizens under the age of 35, youth unemployment remains a significant issue.

(Source: National Statistics and Demography Agency, ANSD)

Faye and Sonko pledged to tackle unemployment, the cost of living, and justice reform while holding previous administrations accountable. However, they argue that the country’s financial situation was worse than anticipated, hindering immediate progress.

Too Soon to Judge?

While some young people express frustration, others remain patient.

“There is no need to worry yet,” said Wally Faye. “One year is too early to evaluate a government. We should give them two or three years to see real change.”

Cheikh Astal Gadiaga, a 26-year-old master’s student, echoed similar sentiments. “Yes, they are making mistakes, but they are on the right path. People need to be patient.”

However, Gadiaga emphasised the importance of international cooperation. “Sovereignty is fine, but it won’t solve Senegal’s problems alone. They must open up to new global partnerships for funding.”

The Perils of Illegal Migration

Motorbike taxi drivers at a busy Dakar market reflected on the administration’s impact. Some claimed conditions had worsened.

“Nothing has changed since their arrival. On the contrary, things are harder now,” said one driver.

Nineteen-year-old Baye Zale Sarr took a more balanced view. “The state isn’t like a house—you can’t rebuild it in just one year,” he said.

Although he supports the new government, Sarr hopes for increased industrial job opportunities. “Being a motorcycle taxi driver isn’t a long-term career,” he added.

The government has encouraged young people to start businesses and expanded funding for entrepreneurship. Since 2024, nearly 26 billion CFA francs (€39.6 million) have been allocated to finance 40,000 projects under this scheme. President Faye has also set a deadline for a new national employment policy to be finalised by the end of next month.

However, for many young Senegalese, hope is fading. Illegal migration to Europe—often via perilous sea routes—remains a tempting yet dangerous option. Hundreds of young Senegalese died at sea last year in attempts to escape economic hardship.

Mame Sidi Sarr, a 19-year-old fisherman, never considered leaving Senegal. But now, he is beginning to have doubts.

“The future looks bleak, and the sea no longer provides as it once did. Fish are scarce, and fuel prices are high,” he lamented.