Sénégal de demain: Alioune Sarr rallies diaspora around territorial development

During a recent tour across France, Alioune Sarr, President of the Alliance for Senegal (APS/ANS), engaged with the Senegalese diaspora to promote a vision of national development centered on territorial empowerment and economic sovereignty. The visits spanned Paris, Massy, and Creil, where he met with families, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to discuss the country’s future.

In Paris, Sarr addressed gatherings at the Foyer Les Mûriers in the 20th arrondissement and in Massy (Essonne), emphasizing the need for decentralized governance. He argued that decades of centralized policies have sidelined regional potential, leaving many areas economically stagnant. « Centralization has proven its limits, » he stated. « When decisions are made only in the capital, territories wait. When territories take the lead, the nation advances. »

Mobilizing the diaspora for national progress

In Creil (Oise), the Senegalese community turned out in force, with political coordinator Amy Faye leading the discussions. Faye highlighted the diaspora’s role as a « vital partner » in Senegal’s development, urging compatriots to invest in local projects rather than rely solely on remittances. « The diaspora is not an ATM, » she remarked. « It is an open ministry for development. »

The meetings revealed a shared consensus: Senegal’s growth must be inclusive, with every region—from Dakar to rural areas—playing an active role. Sarr dismissed the notion of competition between the capital and other territories, framing them as interdependent. « Dakar is the heart of Senegal, but the territories are its lungs, » he explained. « A nation cannot thrive with just one lung. »

Territorial development as a pathway to sovereignty

Sarr showcased the Notto Diobasse Smart City project as a model for decentralized progress. The initiative aims to create self-sustaining economic hubs across regions, fostering innovation, job creation, and local industrialization. « Senegal’s development will not flow from Dakar outward, » he asserted. « It will rise from the territories inward. »

He also addressed land ownership, criticizing the sale of undeveloped land as shortsighted. « Raw land has no value until it is cultivated, » he said. « Nations that prosper don’t export resources; they transform them. » His vision prioritizes strategic land use to build long-term wealth for future generations.

A call for unity amid political divides

Amid Senegal’s polarized political climate, Sarr urged national unity, stating, « We may disagree politically, but we must never be enemies of the Republic. » He called for policymakers to prioritize collective progress over partisan disputes, framing development as a non-negotiable priority. « The time for division is over, » he concluded. « Together, we must build Senegal’s future. »

The tour concluded with a pledge to establish a new national pact built on three pillars: empowered territories, an engaged diaspora, and economic sovereignty. The Senegalese abroad responded with enthusiasm, signaling growing support for a development model that rejects top-down control in favor of grassroots collaboration.