Problems in New Democracies: Interview with Amadou Lamine Ba, Ambassador of Senegal

What was Senegal’s “signal” that it was time for the transition to democracy?

From your perspective, and with respect to the processes and struggles undergone by Senegal as a fledgling democracy, what is the biggest impediment to new democracies?

In 1998, only 39.3% of Senegal’s registered voters actually voted. Did the 2000 election of President Wade show a higher voter turnout? What is Senegal doing to address any future deficits of voter turnout?

In 2003 the male literacy rate was 50% while the female rate was about 30.7%. What is being done to reduce the literacy disparity between males and females?

Although Senegal has a relatively uniform religious block (94% Muslim at this time), there’s just enough Christian minority to cause potential conflict. Yet, remarkably, Senegal is conflict-free here. Before the drafting of a new Constitution, how did the country handle religion? Will the new democracy create any changes in how the government handles religion, such as the adoption of secularism?

Even though there’s peace between the religions, there’s heavy conflict within the Casamance region, a region which is agriculturally ripe for economic development yet disadvantaged and poor because of an on-going separatist movement. This separatist movement, called the Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC), has been the source of violent uprisings since 1982. What exactly are their grievances, and how is Senegal addressing those grievances? Has the MFDC’s attitude toward the central government in Dakar changed since the adoption of the new constitution, especially after the death of MFDC hardliner Sidi Badji in 2003? Will Guinea-Bissau be an active part of efforts to stabilize Casamance, particularly since suspected weapons provider Joao Bernardo Viera was ousted out of presidency in 1999?

All of Senegal’s neighbors have recently made the transition to democracy. The country’s northern-most neighbors – Mauritania and Mali – have no disputes with Senegal, yet the countries of Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia are tied into the problems of Senegal’s Casamance region. Are there any joint efforts to spread democracy and stability throughout the region?

Databases like the CIA World Factbook cite the 54% (2001 est.) poverty and the 48% (40% urban youth) unemployment rates as major set backs to Senegal’s newborn democracy. What is Senegal doing to address these issues?

Senegal’s GDP expenditure stands out from most nations. 3.4% of the GDP to goes to education while only 1.4% goes to the military (FY02). This statistic strongly supports Senegal’s position as an international peacekeeper, but do you believe this trend of small military will continue, or will emphasis on military grow?

As representative of a newly Democratic country, do you believe that a large military is necessary for democracy?

Additional Questions:

How does Senegal hope to play a greater role in the international community?

What will the country’s stance be on WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) treaties?

As Senegal continues to develop economically, what will be done to protect the wildlife and environment?

As of the date of this interview, Senegal is relying solely on fossil fuels as an energy source. What are Senegal’s plans for more environmentally-friendly, efficient energy sources?

How did you start your career as an ambassador, or rather, what led you to become one?

What is the toughest aspect of being an ambassador?

In your opinion, what’s the best thing a person can do to promote democracy?

All statistics acquired through the following sources:

 

 

My interview questions were used in the resulting article found on the Global Tryst website.