Limiting the exercise of functions and responsibilities in the institutions of the Republic in connection with the existence of family ties with the President of the Republic. This bill by the non-aligned MP Aminata Touré divides the political class. If naturally, opponents see it as a way to weaken the regime in place, the presidential movement assimilates it to an intention to harm caused by the desire to seek revenge, given that since independence, members of the President’s family have always held high positions.Aminata Touré no longer wants to see close or distant relatives of leaders in the state apparatus.We will see what happens to his bill.Nevertheless, one cannot help but wish her much pleasure, as she attacks an old political practice in Senegal.In fact, this is not a new: member of the presidential family have, since independence, held strategic positions within the State.It started with Leopold Sedar Senghor.The President-poet did not hesitate to entrust his nephew, Adrien Senghor, with the Ministry of Rural Development.Adrien’s results seem to have pleased Senghor, who later entrusted him with the Department of Equipment, before making him a Minister of State.This is the beginning of a tradition that has become republican practice.AbdouDiouf, who replaced the President-poet, rushed in.If Senghor had only one family member, Diouf had several.But the most remarkable was MaguedDiouf.His brother was in charge of the Modernisation of the State.A function that aimed to make the administration more efficient.Here too, Diouf seemed to be convinced by his brother’s work.He then entrusted him with Energy, Mining and Industry.MaguedDiouf adopted a low profile after the fall of the socialist regime, but he returned to the forefront when he refused to give up his official accommodation in Point E during the Macky era.If the first two presidents seemed to have some restraint when it came to appointing their family members, Wade, for his part, did not even question himself.For the Pope of Sopi, it was necessary to surround himself with his family for security reasons.This is how he tried to incorporate his nephew, Lamine Faye, into the gendarmerie, with the rank of Captain.Wade also wanted to count 3 of his « calotsbleu » in the ranks of the gendarmerie, without having them go through a military training school.A push that Colonel Ndaw did not accept.Director at the time, the Colonel denounced in his book, the excesses of Wade, nepotism at the top of the State, the fact that « the President of the Republic wanted to name four « calotsbleu » including Lamine Faye (his nephew), captains in the gendarmerie and integrate them into his close guard ».Later, Wade made Sindiely, his daughter, his main advisor, before entrusting her with the presidency of the Organizing Committee of the 3rd Festival of Negro Arts (Fesman).The Son, Karim Wade, meanwhile, was Minister of International Cooperation, Territorial Planning and Infrastructure.He managed the Anoci Summit with its billions.The nephew, Doudou Wade, was Chair of the Liberals and Democrats parliamentary group during all Wade’s terms.Meanwhile, NdiougaSakho, one of Wade’s nephews, was the director of Urban planning after managing Sapco.After the reign of Wade in 2012, MackySall, in a seduction exercise, promised to never appoint his brother by decree.Finally, like his mentor, he gave up by entrusting him with the Deposits and Consignments Fund.The rumble of the opposition finally pays off after the scandal created by the broadcast of a BBC documentary, denouncing the management of Senegal’s hydrocarbons.AliouSall is removed from office, but continued to manage the town hall of Guédiawaye.Much luckier, MackySall‘s brother-in-law will not be ejected from the government.Mansour Faye, the First Lady’s brother, is appointed General Delegate for Social Protection and National Solidarity.Before climbing the ladder to become Minister of Infrastructure, Land Transport.A position he holds following his exfiltration from that of Community Development, Solidarity and Territorial equity, where his management of funds for the purchase of food to mitigate the effects of Covid, were heckled.
By Malick GAYE / mgaye@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation By Ndey T. SOSSEH/ Serigne S. DIAGNE