Independence Management 2026 in Thiès: "A clear lack of transparency regarding revenue and expenditure" (Citizen Alternative/And Sopi Thiès)

Beyond the legitimate enthusiasm generated by the celebration in Thiès of the 66th anniversary of Senegal's accession to international sovereignty, the leaders of the citizen and political movement Alternative Citoyenne/And Sopi Thiès, during a press conference held this Wednesday, April 15, 2026, offered their assessment of the activities organized by the City of Thiès and the municipalities of the railway capital. They observed that "an excessive emphasis was placed on folklore, to the detriment of essential issues."

For the movement's president, Ma Diakhaté Niang, and his comrades, "certainly, the celebration of our independence should be a moment of unity and cultural appreciation, but it cannot overshadow the fundamental priorities of the people: education, health, youth employment, sanitation, or the improvement of living conditions. In Thiès, the balance has not been found. The essential has been relegated to the background."

He continued: “It is clear that the city and municipalities have incurred expenses of a prestigious nature, but not essential ones. In a context where public resources are limited and the needs of the population are immense, every franc spent must be useful, justified, and directed towards a lasting impact. However, we have witnessed budgetary choices that raise questions, even shock.”

Citizen Alternative/And Sopi Thiès regrets that "Thiès businesses were not sufficiently involved in the services related to the event. Thiès is brimming with skills, know-how, and economic players capable of meeting the needs. Failing to mobilize them not only deprives the local economy of opportunities but also sends a negative signal to our entrepreneurs."

In the same vein, its president notes, "Thies artists have been marginalized, even though this event should have been a showcase for their talent. Promoting our artists also means strengthening our cultural identity and supporting a dynamic local creative economy."

Ma Diakhaté Niang also points to "a clear lack of transparency, both regarding revenue and expenditure." Since the public has a right to know, he asks the organizers, "What funds were raised? Where did they come from? How were they used?" He then reiterates that "the management of public funds cannot tolerate opacity. Accountability is a democratic imperative."

The And Sopi Thiès is deeply surprised that "the mayors have not taken the necessary steps to involve and honor the sons and daughters of Thiès, still alive, who have served the nation in high positions."

Mr. Niang and his colleagues remind us that these individuals "constitute a human treasure, a living memory and a symbol of excellence for younger generations. Ignoring them at such a symbolic moment as the celebration of our independence is not only regrettable, but also reveals a lack of recognition towards those who contributed to building our country."

For Alternative citoyenne/And Sopi Thiès, a major question remains: "How could the mayor of Thiès-Est have financed the racetrack construction, especially since the program meant to fund it, PACASEN, is still stalled?" This raises serious questions about "the origin of the funding, the procedures used, and the compliance of the expenditures with public management rules." They say they expect "clear, precise, and documented explanations."

They clarify that "these observations are not made to criticize gratuitously. They reflect a demand: that of a more rigorous, more transparent governance more focused on the real needs of the people."

“Faced with these legitimate questions, it is not enough to simply ask questions. It is also up to us to propose concrete, realistic, and applicable solutions within the framework of the city and municipalities’ powers,” he emphasizes.   My Diakhaté Niang .

First, regarding the direction of public actions, they call for "a refocusing on the essential priorities of the population: youth employment, health, education, sanitation and living environment".

According to Alternative citoyenne/And Sopi Thiès, the events "must serve these objectives and not mask them".