Softcare case: Explanations from the Minister of Industry and Trade, Serigne Guèye Diop

Speaking during the examination of the parliamentary fact-finding mission's report on the marketing of Softcare brand products in Senegal, the Minister of Industry and Trade, Serigne Guèye Diop, responded to questions from some members of parliament.

He immediately stated that his department has several control structures, notably the National Analysis and Control Laboratory (ANAC). According to him, no food product enters Senegal without a certificate of analysis issued by this laboratory. "ANAC is the national control laboratory. However, ANAC is not currently equipped to handle non-food products, and Softcare is one of them," he clarified.

However, Serigne Guèye Diop announced the strengthening of the control system for non-food products. "We have taken note of your proposals, which are to strengthen the non-food side of the ANAC," he stated.

"We need to control, but also encourage investment."

Referring to the inspections carried out at the Softcare site, the minister confirmed the presence of sworn agents from his department, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. He indicated that these agents had observed "deficiencies in the food system, the quality system, and the product management system." "We have therefore accepted all the conclusions of the report," he affirmed.

In the wake of this, the minister proposed the establishment of an inter-ministerial commission including the Ministries of Commerce, Health and the Environment in order to ensure better monitoring of these issues.

Serigne Guèye Diop stated that it is necessary to find a balance between regulating businesses and promoting investment. "Our country must industrialize. The industrial sector represents between 22 and 25% of GDP. The government aims to develop industrial zones in all 45 departments of the country, with the specific objective of combating unemployment. It is necessary to both regulate and regulate businesses, but once this regulation is in place, we must encourage national, regional, and international investment," he affirmed.

"I would ask you, if possible, not to continue this commission of inquiry."

The minister warned of the risk of Senegal losing its attractiveness to investors if the country was perceived solely as a space for the repression of businesses.

Addressing Softcare's future directly, Serigne Guèye Diop stated that the company should be given a "second wind" after the measures taken against it. "Senegal has no interest in closing businesses. Once the inspections are carried out and the sanctions applied, the company should be able to correct its shortcomings and continue its operations. I would ask you, if possible—it's up to you to decide—not to continue this commission of inquiry, which will only further damage the brand," he declared.