An inalienable right
Members of the Citizens’ Debt Audit assert that the people have the right to know the details of the debt incurred in their name. They emphasize that this right is inalienable and that citizens have the right to know how their money is used. The 2012-2024 period was chosen because public data shows that between 2012 and 2014, Senegal’s debt tripled, plunging the country into an accelerated debt cycle.
Major financial commitments contracted in violation of the Constitution
The Court of Auditors found that major financial commitments were made in violation of the Constitution and budgetary procedures, without parliamentary authorization. Members of the Citizens’ Debt Audit say this shows the debt was not incurred transparently and that citizens have a right to know what happened.
A citizen audit to establish the truth
Members of the Citizens’ Debt Audit are demanding the establishment of a Citizens’ Audit Committee including independent experts, unions, academics and representatives of civil society, which will have access to all documents relating to the debt. They also demand the publication of the conclusions before the Nation, and not in an office or an internal memo.
Important issues
The initiators of this campaign emphasize that the sums at stake are considerable and that the choices made today will have consequences on the economic future of the country. They cite in particular the 516 billion CFA francs which could be used to clear construction and energy arrears, pay teachers’ salaries, provide medicines in hospitals and create jobs.
A call for transparency
Members of the Citizen’s Debt Audit call on MPs to enlighten the people before making important decisions on the public debt. They emphasize that the so-called “hidden” debt must be fully clarified before any additional payment.
Great support
The deputy in the National Assembly, Guy Marius Sagna, came to lend his support to the Citizen Debt Audit, welcoming this initiative and inviting the President of the Republic and the President of the National Assembly to support this committee in its quest for truth on hidden debt.
A fight for all citizens
The Citizen Debt Audit underlines that this affair is a fight for all Senegalese citizens, who have the right to know how their money is used and to hold their leaders accountable. The committee says transparency is essential to ensure that decisions taken are in the interest of the people.
