Decentralization: The AMS demands more resources and a strengthened status for local elected officials

The president of the Association of Mayors of Senegal (AMS), Omar Ba, advocated for increased resources for local authorities and better protection of the status of elected local officials. He was speaking at a statutory meeting of the AMS board, which focused in particular on dialogue with institutions and agencies involved in territorial development.

Omar Ba gave a positive assessment of AMS's work, despite a "difficult and sometimes particularly turbulent" socio-political context. According to him, the association managed to stay on course by strengthening its institutional foothold and consolidating dialogue with the State and its partners.

The president of the AMS particularly emphasized the role that the association must play in the discussions surrounding Act IV of decentralization.

"We are loyal to the Republic, free in our assessment during the negotiation process and vigilant in the defense of the territories," he said.

Regarding the main difficulties faced by municipalities, Omar Ba identified two major problems. The first concerns the insufficient transfer of resources to local authorities.

According to him, mayors are on the front line in dealing with the demands of the population and sometimes have to take on responsibilities that are not officially transferred to the municipalities.

"We are managing skills that are not being transferred," he stressed, believing that the resources made available to local authorities remain insufficient in view of the responsibilities incumbent upon them.