European Council President Visits Senegal to Discuss Migration and Development

Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, visited Senegal's new president Bassirou Diomaye Faye on April 23, 2024 to discuss migration and development cooperation. Faye, who was recently inaugurated as president, called for a "rethought" and "renovated partnership" between Senegal and Europe.

As part of his promised reforms, Faye announced plans to renegotiate oil, gas, and fishing agreements with the European Union. "The cooperation between Senegal and Europe is dense and multifaceted, but together we want a rethought, renovated partnership," Faye said. He emphasized the need to reform Senegal's economic relations with the EU and cut the overexploitation of the country's resources, particularly in the fishing industry which is confronting the effects of overfishing.

Michel acknowledged that the two parties should not shy away from addressing difficult subjects if it leads to improvements for both sides. "We should not dread broaching difficult subjects if it meant bringing about improvements for both sides," Michel said, welcoming European investors with recognized skills in various sectors to support Senegal's development.

Faye stated that his government will pursue a model of boosting development from within, focusing on agriculture, livestock, and fishing, while also strengthening infrastructure in sectors like railways, electrical grid, telecommunications, and roads. Michel expressed Europe's "objective interest" in Senegal's ability to meet the challenges of development, economic emergence, and improving living conditions for its people.

Why this matters: The visit comes in the context of a changing region that has seen successful movements against Western interests in recent years, with the influence of colonial powers persisting in West Africa. Senegal's call for a rethinking of its relationship with the EU reflects a broader push for African nations to assert their sovereignty and negotiate more equitable partnerships with European countries.

The meeting between Michel and Faye was described as a "good and extremely fruitful exchange," with both leaders agreeing to work towards a high-quality bilateral partnership based on respect and trust. Faye outlined his government's priorities, including an endogenous economic model of industrialization, strengthening economic infrastructure, and combating the budget deficit through improved public spending and taxation. Michel praised Senegal's robust democratic institutions and expressed the EU's readiness to renegotiate fisheries agreements to support Senegal's productive economy.

Key Takeaways

• Senegal's new president Faye calls for "rethought, renovated" EU partnership.
• Faye plans to renegotiate oil, gas, and fishing agreements with the EU.
• EU's Michel welcomes Senegal's focus on endogenous economic development.
• Senegal seeks to assert sovereignty and negotiate more equitable EU ties.
• EU expresses readiness to renegotiate fisheries agreements to support Senegal.