Weekly Blog Post

http://www.aps.sn/aps.php?page=articles&id_article=96311

Newly elected President, Macky Sall, announced today, Monday, May 21,2010, the establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Committee (OFNAC). The mission of the committee is to fight against corruption and similar offenses in order to strengthen the public governance. The committee will have significant powers including that of self-referral to any inquiry or investigation it deems fit. the OFNAC will also have the power to publish reports.

In other news, President Macky Sall announced the sale of one of the 2 Presidential planes. Sall said that having two planes was wasteful, and that the benefit of the sale of the device will be returned to the people. He also announced a series of other cutbacks to reduce the cost of the lavish lifestyle of the state. This includes such things as removing first class travel for ministers and state officials, and salaries of government ministers and advisors will be revised.

Senegal has heard promises of reduced corruption many times before, especially by the morally questionable former President Abdoulaye Wade. While this committee may seem like another structure destined for anemic funding and ultimately failure, the promise to reduce the cost of maintaining government seems to prove that President Macky Sall actually wants to keep his promise. Sall was born into poverty in Senegal, and worked his way up the ladder into the Presidency. He is a very promising figure for the future of Senegal.

Economically speaking, the construction of an Anti-Corruption Committee that works independently of the government, if implemented correctly, can greatly reduce the amount of corruption in Senegal. Seeing as how that is the greatest obstacle in starting a business in the country, the committee could attract more businesses to the country. This would further establish Senegal in the world economy, and the increased investment will stimulate the economy, leading overall to an increase in Gross Domestic Product.