In an interview with Le Soleil, El Hadji Serigne Mbaye, a local development expert, argues for a thorough overhaul of the status of neighborhood delegates. For him, far from being a mere favor, this reform is a "strategic necessity" to consolidate decentralization in Senegal.

He emphasizes that neighborhood representatives are a crucial link in local government. Present in every municipality, they represent the state at the grassroots level, provide social mediation, prevent conflicts, disseminate sensitive information, and contribute to security, public health, and local crisis management. Without them, local governance would lose its most responsive tool.

For a more transparent nomination process

While their appointment is regulated by law (involving the public, mayors, and prefects), the expert notes that the process is often tainted by suspicions of political patronage. He argues for greater transparency, particularly through public calls for applications, clear criteria, and increased involvement of civil society to guarantee the elected official's social legitimacy.

Finally, he emphasized the urgent need to review their status. The majority of delegates work without stable pay, social protection, or continuing education, despite the inherent risks of their missions. According to the interviewee of the national daily newspaper, a reform should be based on formal recognition through the granting of regular allowances, adequate social security coverage, capacity building, and greater institutional recognition of their role. In his view, rethinking their status is essential to consolidating decentralization, strengthening social cohesion, and ensuring the local anchoring of public action in Senegal.