Babacar Fall: "We can no longer continue in a situation of impunity."

Financial matters, the political crisis, territorial elections, and the cost of living: as a guest on RTS's "Point de vue" program, Babacar Fall, coordinator of Gradec, delivered a series of strong statements. He called for the justice system to establish responsibility, advocated for electoral transparency, and refused to allow economic constraints to be used as a pretext for disregarding democratic processes.

Regarding the controversial financial cases, Babacar Fall first calls for caution. Given the amounts claimed by the various parties involved, he believes that only a calm and impartial process will allow the facts to be disentangled from the accusations. "Justice must be allowed to do its work calmly and without any pressure so that the full truth can be revealed in these cases," he asserts.

He wants all those who held positions of responsibility in these cases to be heard. For him, the issue goes beyond the sums of money involved: it directly concerns the management of public funds in a country facing severe financial constraints. "We can no longer continue in a situation of impunity," he insists. And he emphasizes: "Given this difficult situation, we cannot allow people to play around with public funds. It's unacceptable."

National Assembly: "The people are the best arbiter"

Regarding the crisis between the Executive and the parliamentary majority, Babacar Fall identifies two possible outcomes: an attempt at reconciliation between the parties or the dissolution of the National Assembly. In his view, the latter option would place the decision in the hands of the voters. "The best option, from my perspective, is to hold early elections, which would provide an opportunity for electoral clarification and allow the people to decide," he argues.

He acknowledges that a dissolution would not be without risk for either side. However, he believes it would have the merit of clarifying the balance of power and putting an end to a situation whose consequences are being borne by the citizens.

Territorial elections: "An electoral calendar is meant to be respected."

Regarding the territorial elections, the head of Gradec remains categorical: "An electoral calendar is meant to be respected. Local elections have the same dignity as legislative or presidential elections."

Babacar Fall acknowledges, however, the constraints that could be invoked: the country's financial situation, the cost of an election, or the reforms envisaged within the framework of Act IV of decentralization.

But these considerations, in his view, cannot justify an indefinite extension of the mandates. If a postponement is necessary, it must be clearly justified and legally regulated.

He is particularly critical of the uncertainty currently surrounding this deadline, believing that the electoral administration must be able to work on the basis of a clear political decision.

"We are not obsessed with electoral matters."

Responding to those who accuse civil society of being fixated on elections, Babacar Fall firmly refutes the accusation: "We are not obsessed with electoral matters. We remain focused on principles."

For him, it is simply a matter of remembering that the mandates entrusted by citizens must result in an assessment before the voters.

He is, however, understanding of the possibility of a postponement due to genuine constraints. "If there are difficulties, the government finds itself unable to organize elections for reasons that we can understand. But these reasons must be put on the table," he explains.

Cost of living: "We are Senegalese"

Far from limiting his actions to electoral issues, Babacar Fall also emphasizes economic and social concerns. "We are Senegalese. We suffer from the high cost of living, the exorbitant cost of rents," he reminds us.

He also mentions the impact of USAID's withdrawal on civil society organizations, with programs interrupted and jobs eliminated.

For the coordinator of Gradec, the priority remains to create the conditions for economic stability that will allow households to better cope with the prices of rice, fuel and rents.