Several areas of the country have been affected by the rains, from Dakar to Touba, via Thiès and Saint-Louis. Speaking before the Sunday Jury, Modou Diagne Fada reminded the audience that the phenomenon is part of the overall context of climate change. "These are natural phenomena, but that doesn't absolve governments," he stressed. For him, the state must anticipate and prevent. Indeed, he said, "despite the efforts made under Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall, the issue remains unresolved, as the floods are moving to other areas such as Parcelles Assainies or Yarakh."

He warns against hasty solutions, particularly dikes, which risk "displacing the problem elsewhere." The former minister advocates for "a national consultation" involving experts, environmentalists, and geographers to find lasting solutions. He also regrets that rural communities, like his home village of Darou Mousty, are left to their own devices. "In many places, only the mayors are left to fend for themselves, without resources, while the population suffers," he laments.

A poorly designed recovery plan

Questioned on the economic recovery plan presented by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Modou Diagne Fada is skeptical, both in form and substance. "In Senegal, it is the President of the Republic who defines the nation's policy. This plan should have been carried out by him," he criticizes. Regarding the content, he points to an imbalance. "In reality, it's just about raising money, mainly through tougher taxes. But too many taxes kill businesses." According to him, this policy "stifles the economy," weakens investors, reduces employment, and squeezes domestic consumption. "We were elected to fight unemployment, not to worsen it." Furthermore, Fada notes a general slowdown in economic activity. "It's been over 16 months since I saw any major projects resumed. Everything is blocked by audits and tax pressure," he laments.

Added to this is a climate that is unfavorable to business, fueled by "untimely statements against Senegal's traditional partners." He warns against "deceptive" growth, inflated by oil and gas: "If we deduct hydrocarbons, the real growth rate is around 3%, which is very low." Addressing budget transparency, Modou Diagne Fada calls for the full publication of the expenses of the presidency and the prime minister's office, believing that "all public money must be traceable."