Former Prime Minister Amadou Ba has called for deeper political dialogue and stronger national consensus during a meeting with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as part of the ongoing national dialogue initiative.

Addressing the Head of State alongside other former leaders consulted by the government, Ba emphasized that the initiative represents a vital step for the country. He underscored the importance of broad-based discussions to tackle Senegal’s most pressing challenges.

During the closed-door discussions, Ba and the President reviewed several critical issues, including the political landscape, proposed institutional reforms, and the country’s economic and security challenges. On electoral reforms, he recommended extending the dialogue period by an additional ten to fifteen days to foster more inclusive agreements.

« Senegal needs consensus. Senegal needs dialogue, » Ba reiterated, clarifying that his proposal stems from a commitment to the nation’s best interests rather than any partisan agenda.

The former Finance Minister also expressed concerns over the current economic climate, highlighting how global pressures are weighing heavily on Senegal’s financial stability. He warned that successive credit rating downgrades are driving up borrowing costs and limiting the government’s fiscal flexibility.

Ba drew attention to Senegal’s long-standing relationship with the International Monetary Fund, recalling his tenure as Finance Minister when the country went six years without IMF disbursements. Despite this, Senegal maintained its financial credibility. Today, however, the economic environment demands renewed compromises to secure essential funding and investment.

Security concerns also featured prominently in the discussions, especially amid rising regional instability. Ba stressed the need for a unified approach to address these threats and strengthen the nation’s defense and security forces.

While reaffirming his opposition stance, Ba urged all political actors to prioritize national unity over partisan divides. « I remain in the opposition, and I will continue to do so. But some issues go beyond politics. We must work together calmly and constructively for the sake of our country, » he concluded.