APA-Dakar (Senegal) Tourism is one of the driving forces of the Senegalese economy.
The bloody demonstrations at the beginning of June portrayed an unusual image of Senegal, a country hitherto regarded as an island of stability and a showcase of democracy in West Africa. Looting and vandalism were reported in several parts of the country following the two-year prison sentence handed down to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who is popular with young Senegalese.
These incidents, which resulted in the deaths of at least sixteen people and the destruction of public and private property worth hundreds of billions of CFA francs, caused potential tourists to postpone their stay in the country. However, the authorities assure that the situation is under control and that “Senegal remains a safe tourist destination.”
In a press release seen by APA on Wednesday, the Ministry of Tourism “informs the general public, in particular visitors and foreigners residing in Senegal, that tourist activities have resumed normally throughout the country. This situation is the result of strong measures taken to ensure the safety of persons and property and to maintain public order.”
The government acknowledges that “endogenous or exogenous shocks may affect the tourism sector,” as is the case “in any country in the world.” It includes in this list “the recent events observed at the beginning of June 2023,” which certainly disrupted the free movement of goods and people.
On the other hand, “maintaining national security is one of the State’s legitimate tasks. The security of the Senegalese population in general, and foreigners and tourists in particular, is at the heart of the security system. This is also the purpose of the Tourist Police, which is exclusively dedicated to the security of tourist sites and tourists.
Tourism’s contribution to Senegal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) makes it “an essential lever for economic growth.” In view of this, the second largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) has “demonstrated its resilience and its firm commitment to sustainable competitiveness by overcoming all contingencies to highlight its enormous tourism potential and attractiveness.”
With the tourist season due to open soon, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the relevant departments, is “keeping a very close eye on any attempt to damage the reputation of Senegal as a tourist destination.” It remains “fully mobilised with all stakeholders (diplomatic and consular missions and other partners)” to reassure “anyone who wishes to visit our country” that they will have “a peaceful and pleasant stay.”
ODL/ha/lb/abj/APA