🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlines new agricultural policy for Senegal at FIARA
via SeneNews5 min read
During his visit to the International Fair of Agriculture and Animal Resources FIARA at CICES, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko articulated the government's ambitions for transforming Senegal's agricultural sector. He emphasized agriculture's strategic role in public policy and the need for a profound reevaluation of the sector's direction. Sonko noted past strategic hesitations by former leaders, stating that previous programs often overlooked producers' concerns. He announced the ongoing development of a new national agricultural policy focused on food sovereignty and securing supplies to reduce external dependence and vulnerability to exogenous shocks. This comprehensive reform will address all agricultural issues, including production, land access, subsidies, financing, and commercialization, aiming to strengthen the national agricultural system's resilience. Sonko highlighted that beyond food sovereignty, agriculture generates numerous derivative products and industries, suggesting that these reforms could profoundly impact the national economy and foster industrial transformation. He stressed the importance of reducing import reliance to achieve true sovereignty and advocated for an endogenous economy where a significant portion of economic growth remains within Senegal, rather than being largely externalized.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
The beginning of the rainy season in Kolda has been marked by tragedy, with four young boys drowning in a pit. These incidents, which bring the total number of weather-related deaths to five, highlight the need for vigilance during this dangerous season. The four young boys, all under 8 years old, were found drowned in a pit filled with runoff water in the village of Kandiama, located in the commune of Sinthiang Koundara in the Vélingara department. According to reports, the children died after falling into this excavation filled by the first rains of the season, plunging their families and the entire locality into deep sadness. This tragedy occurred just days after another weather-related death. On the night of June 8-9, a student in his twenties was fatally struck by lightning during a period of heavy rain. With these two tragedies, the death toll has now risen to five since the start of the rainy season in the Vélingara department. These events underscore the need for increased vigilance during the rainy season, particularly around pits, temporary ponds, and high-risk areas, to prevent further tragedies. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
Senegalese singer Abdou Guitté Seck has released a new song celebrating the national football team, the Lions, following the controversial CAN 2025 final against Morocco. The match was marked by arbitration disputes, including the disallowed goal by Ismaïla Sarr and a VAR intervention involving Brahim Díaz and El Hadji Malick Diouf. Despite these tensions, Senegal won the match with a decisive goal from Pape Gueye. However, a subsequent decision by the CAF appeal jury awarded the victory to Morocco, citing Senegal's withdrawal from the field. Seck's song aims to unite Senegalese people behind their team, calling them the "true champions" and offering support ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He emphasizes his deep passion for Senegal and encourages national unity to support the team led by Pape Thiaw in future competitions.
Must ReadSenegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has articulated the Lions of Senegal's aspirations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, stating that the ultimate goal is to win the world title. The 35-year-old player expressed his determination to achieve a historic run with the team. Gueye also shared his satisfaction at returning to competition after an injury, a sentiment echoed by his teammate and captain Kalidou Koulibaly. Both players have been working towards their return to the field and are preparing for the start of the competition. Regarding their match against the French national football team on June 16, Gueye acknowledged France's quality as a two-time World Cup finalist and a favorite, but emphasized Senegal's focus on their own performance and their aim to represent Senegal and Africa well. He also commented on the team's preparation, noting that friendly matches allowed coach Pape Thiaw to assess progress and identify necessary adjustments. Finally, the former Everton FC player called on Senegalese supporters to continue their prayers, positivity, and encouragement, stressing the importance of collective effort for the team to achieve its objectives.