LA PASSATION DE SERVICES N’EST PAS UN MEETING POLITIQUE (Par Abdoul Aziz TALL)
Some handover ceremonies in the Senegalese public administration are transformed into veritable events resembling political rallies. This is not a new phenomenon.
Indeed, with the change of government in 2000, the handover ceremonies were marked by massive gatherings of activists who arrived in buses at the administrative building, accompanied by drums, griots, and other eulogists, singing the praises of the newly appointed authority. This was a true sacrilege, demonstrating a complete lack of understanding of public affairs on the part of those who organized such events.
Specifically, the handover of services within the public administration is an act that falls squarely within the republican tradition. It is an administrative act, not a political demonstration.
In view of the classic principles which are at the heart of public service, namely neutrality, mutability and equality, changes in management must be simply and exclusively associated with the continuity of public service.
A handover should mark the continuity of the state and the administration, not the victory or the establishment of a political camp. When it takes the form of a rally punctuated by slogans, partisan demonstrations, or political staging, it blurs the line between political authority and administration, whereas the latter must remain at the service of the state and the general interest, regardless of changes in regimes or officials.
Any politicization of administrative acts is therefore in contradiction with republican orthodoxy and with the requirement of neutrality of the administration.
The administration is neither the property of a party nor the instrument of a faction. It is a permanent institution of the State, called upon to serve the general interest, beyond political changes. The handover of duties should therefore symbolize not the arrival of a new power, but the continuity of the State and the permanence of public service.
According to regulations, a handover involves only three parties: the Inspector General of State, who oversees the operation; the incoming authority; and the outgoing authority. The solemn nature of this ceremony is symbolized by the presence of the Inspector General. Therefore, there is no place for celebrations resembling a political rally. The incoming authority should instead focus on the gravity of the responsibility entrusted to them, rather than reveling in a crowd of ecstatic supporters.
It's almost shocking for anyone who cares even a little about republican orthodoxy. We thought these practices had completely disappeared with the advent of the new regime that advocates a break with the past.
These folkloric events are viewed very negatively by the population, who see them as an expression of arrogance, bordering on recklessness, in addition to violating the fundamental principles that govern the functioning of a public administration.
A lack of humility is the biggest threat facing anyone holding public authority.
I respectfully suggest to the President of the Republic that he formally prohibit this type of demonstration, which tarnishes the image of our institutions. This would be, among other things, a good way for him to translate into action his commitment to governing rigorously and effectively.
Abdoul Aziz Tall
Former Director General of the Organization and Methods Bureau;
Former Minister in charge of monitoring the Emerging Senegal Plan
Commentaires (6)
Oui, depuis Abdoulaye WADE, l'administration sénégalaise est devenue un carnaval. Tout est permis. Tout le monde est ministrable, tout le monde est députable, tout le monde est "directable" mais les plus farfelus de nos quartiers, les plus nuls de nos mouvements.
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