Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade Promotes 13 To Rank Of Army General

Senegalese soldiers. Source:  http://www.google.com/hostednews/
afp/slideshow/ALeqM5hC1jOva0zt0BND d5IT9DTIjivbmA?docId=CNG.bdb91d2535f07200376abcf8e50a44f2.6b1&index=0   

31 December 2011

The Citizen (DAR ES SALAAM) – As Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Senegal, President Abdoulaye Wade signed a decree on 29 December 2011 announcing that 13 army colonels would be promoted to the rank of general. The promotions, recommended by Senegal’s current Army Chief of Staff General Abdoulaye Fall, are the first in 20 years and took effect on 1 January 2012. One of the new generals, (formerly Colonel) Ousmane Kane, was previously the military attaché to Washington, D.C.; his new station is unclear. Several others newly promoted are in their late sixties and will retire by the government-prescribed age of 69.

Source: http://thecitizen.co.tz/sunday-citizen/39-young-citizen/18448-senegals-wade-names-13-new-army-generals

(Reliability: 40.56 High)

Analysis: While it is highly likely that President Wade signed the promotion degree to boost his image during an election year, it is also likely that the newly promoted generals will want to continue Senegal’s strong military ties to USAFRICOM in the next 12-24 months, due to the collaborative trainings already underway, the desire to strengthen their own personal reputations, and the importance of Senegal’s international image. It is also highly likely that now-General Ousmane Kane, the former military attaché to Washington, D.C., would be willing to represent and advocate USAFRICOM initiatives to the Senegalese military, given his experience with U.S. relations.

(Analytic Confidence: Medium)

Senegal's Opposition Presidential Candidate Coulibaly Focuses On Graft

20 December 2011

Bloomberg – (DAKAR) Senegalese presidential candidate Abdou Latif Coulibaly announced on December 20 his split from opposition political group Benno Siggil Senegaal to form his own group, Benno Alternative 2012, and pledged to focus specifically on battling graft if he wins the presidency in the February election against incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade. After Coulibaly’s announcement on December 20, he asserted in a phone interview with Bloomberg that “Corruption is the biggest problem in Senegal.” This sentiment echoes widespread accusations of financial misconduct against Wade’s administration and the need for good governance practices. Coulibaly’s split from the larger group further fractures the opposition against Wade.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-20/senegal-candidate-pledges-graft-fight-as-opposition-fractures.html

(Reliability: 47.07 Very High)

Comment: Coulibaly’s choice of graft as a campaign platform reiterates the nationwide unhappiness with the current political and business environment and resulting tensions. Regardless of the election outcome, the elected president may have to publicly address calls for reform, work to increase investor confidence in the country, and improve public confidence in the country’s financial markets and quality of life.  

(Analytic Confidence: High)

Gold Boom In Senegal’s Kedougou Region Brings Prostitution And Sex Trafficking

20 December 2011

AllAfrica – (DIABOUGOU) Abundant gold mines in Senegal’s eastern region of Kedougou, and particularly the informal mines near the town of Diabougou close to the Malian border, brought an economic boon to the area, but they are also attracting a thriving sex trafficking trade and increasing cases of HIV. Gold mining areas in Senegal statistically have higher rates of HIV than areas without gold; the Kedougou region’s 1.7% HIV prevalence rate is more than twice the 0.7% national rate and is causing concern among health authorities. Popular beliefs maintain that sexual relations with a woman make one more likely to find gold, which perpetuates the sex trade.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201112210316.html

(Reliability: 43.42 High)

Comment: The informal gold mine in Diabougou is relatively new at five years old, and the town has seen a huge increase in population from about 500 to a few thousand. Major international companies have started moving into the eastern region of Senegal. As the mining towns grow, gold and prostitution are becoming inseparable, particularly in Kedougou. If Senegalese authorities do not provide reliable law enforcement resources to regulate behaviors around mines including cracking down on prostitution, sex trafficking could remain rampant in Senegal’s mining areas, risk increasing the country’s HIV/AIDS rate, and taint gold as a toxic Senegalese export.  

(Analytic Confidence: Medium)