🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Alioune Tine criticizes political appointments at Dakar Port after Waly Diouf Bodiang's replacement
via SeneNews1 min read
The recent replacement of Waly Diouf Bodiang by Doune Pathé Mbengue as Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar PAD has prompted calls for reform from human rights advocate Alioune Tine. Tine argues that appointments to strategic state positions, particularly at the Port of Dakar, should not be based on political considerations. He emphasizes that the Port is vital to the national economy and operates in a competitive regional environment. Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, warns that politically appointed directors face instability, being vulnerable to removal with each change in presidential administration. He advocates for a system of open calls for applications for such critical roles to ensure stable governance and long-term development for the Port.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Waly Diouf Bodian has been removed from his position as Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar, effective July 16, 2026. He has been replaced by Doune Pathé Mbengue, a civil administrator and Mayor of Cambérène. The decision was made by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as part of new appointments across several public institutions. Bodian, a historical activist of Pastef and a staunch supporter of Ousmane Sonko, was appointed to the role on April 24, 2024, less than a month after President Faye took office. His appointment was seen as aligning with the new administration's goal of placing individuals associated with the reform agenda of Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko into strategic state structures. Bodian, a principal inspector of Taxes and Domains and former secretary general of the autonomous union of tax and domain agents, had significant activist capital, having supported Pastef during its opposition years and faced arrest. His close ties to Ousmane Sonko, which facilitated his initial appointment, later became a point of vulnerability. Following Ousmane Sonko's removal from the Prime Minister's office in May 2026, Bodian publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Sonko and Pastef, stating that his supporters would accompany Sonko to the presidential palace in 2029. He also indicated that any departure from his post would require collective consultation within Pastef, highlighting a growing political incompatibility with the executive.
Must ReadFormer President Macky Sall is expected in Dakar on Friday, July 17, for a visit during which he will seek the support of his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, for his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. Souleymane Jules Diop, a former minister and international strategy analyst, emphasized the importance of this candidacy for Senegal. Speaking on the TFM program Infos Matin, Diop stated that while Sall has a moral debt to his political party, the focus should now be on Senegal's international standing. He believes that differences should be set aside to support Sall's bid, as it would be a source of national pride for a Senegalese to lead the UN. Addressing opposition from some members of Pastef and human rights associations regarding alleged violations during Sall's presidency, Diop drew parallels to past incidents in the United States and under previous Senegalese presidents, arguing that such events did not preclude their return or participation in public life. He expressed sadness over the loss of life but stressed the need to prevent future occurrences.
Specialists in childhood diabetes in Senegal, meeting at a congress in Dakar, reported significant progress in monitoring, with 1,736 children currently being followed. This marks an increase from 250 children in 2018. Professor Babacar Niang, president of the scientific committee for the 12th National Congress of the Senegalese Society of Pediatrics SOSEPED and the 17th Congress of the African Society of Pediatric Endocrinology, stated that this rise reflects improved screening, healthcare professional training, and decentralized care, rather than an increase in prevalence. Despite these advancements, two-thirds of children with diabetes in Senegal remain undiagnosed, according to recent studies. This is attributed to a lack of specialized professionals and insufficient access to specialized care in several regions. Specialists emphasized that childhood diabetes is a medical emergency, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival. Efforts by the Ministry of Health and support from technical and financial partners have gradually improved access to care nationwide. The congress also addressed other pediatric endocrine conditions, including growth disorders, thyroid diseases, puberty anomalies, and genital development disorders. Senegal has increased its pediatric endocrinologist count from one about fifteen years ago to seven today, with more in training. The goal is to equip each of Senegal's 14 regions with at least one pediatric endocrinologist and specialized