Governance, Unrest, Sustainable Development - The Tipping Point

In the past 2 days, I have witnessed things in Senegal that I have never seen before. The anger of the people over poor governance leading to violence. The president of Senegal, tried to amend the constitution of Senegal with the intent of extending his powers. But he had already done this earlier by allowing himself to run for a 3 term when the constitution only allowed for one 7 year term followed by a 2nd 5 year term. The President has used the power of democracy to benefit himself and many outside interest. Senegal has never had a coup and the people prefer to discuss rather than fight. But consider the situation: There are many buildings going up around Senegal and yet there the average person has no money, the young people do not have opportunities (as many are in the streets selling phone cards, popcorn, tissues, fans, cookies and other nonsense). The electricity has been out everyday since I have been here for many hours (one day 20 out of 24 hours).

The idea that the President would try to push these amends in the face of what has happened in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and elsewhere is crazy. You can only step on the neck of a person for so long. Senegal has all of the elements of unrest: Poor economy, Poor governance, man disenfranchised people and poverty. So when the unrest broke out downtown, it also broke out in many locations around Dakar and the country. While I was glad that the people's voice was heard, I was also sadden by the level of violence. It is sad to see the police beating and fighting the citizens of Senegal. But I realize that they are a tool of government.

I really hope that President Wade, decides not to run again because it will just continue the unrest. Senegal needs good governance and a plan for sustainable development; not in the form of loans or outside interest. They need to develop the future: Its young people. There is so much to do for these young people but the view has been that only outside resources can maintain the country. So the development of many seaside hotels.. But what can they do?? Tourism??? How about building a new smartgrid, developing renewable energy, developing recycling plans, developing sustainable rural development and addressing the lack of infrastructure in the rapidly urbanized areas around Senegal. How about investing in the public health sectors so that people can live longer and better lives. How about becoming food independent? How about stopping the brain drain from your countries. Leaders in Africa need to look to Western models for good governance but need stop looking at them for economic development. They need to look at their own talents and strengths for economic development. This can only happen with good governance. They must respect and trust that the people can carry this country forward.

In two days, I have seen two futures. Yesterday when riding to the university in a Cab, We encountered the students who were going to the fight. Their energy was strong and focused on fighting the police and the government. I was not afraid of them, but felt I knew what they were capable of destroying if pressed. This morning, I saw the students walking with their books focused on developing their lives and their country.

President pulled those amendments off the table for discussion after he saw the level of destruction that was occurring. I hope that this was done in humility instead of political maneuvering .

Thursday's final score

People of Senegal 1 Poor Governance 0

The fight continues for respect ...................