Stakeholders in Senegal continue advocating for country to rejoin the FiTI
DAKAR, September 5-12, 2024. In light of Senegal’s recent de-listing from the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), national and international stakeholders continue their efforts to persuade the government of Senegal to improve transparency in fisheries management and re-apply to the FiTI.
Open Government Partnership
On September 5, 2024, Senegal’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Committee held a meeting, convened at the request of the newly appointed Director for the Promotion of Good Governance, Dr Alassane Gueye. During the meeting, the civil society focal point Abdoulaye Ndiaye informed the Committee that Senegal’s OGP score had dropped further, and that Senegal risked being suspended from the OGP due to a lack of progress on almost all commitments, including its commitment to finalize joining the FiTI.
At the request of the OGP National Committee, Mr Mansor Ndour, FiTI’s Regional Coordinator for Francophone Africa, reiterated the reasons for Senegal’s removal from the FiTI and informed the Committee about the possibility of Senegal’s return. Mr Ndour outlined three initial actions required to re-join the FiTI: 1) a new public commitment from the government; 2) the designation of the FiTI Lead Ministry; and 3) the appointment of a FiTI National Lead. He emphasised that once these actions have been taken, the government must send an official letter to the FiTI Chair with the necessary documents and references. Mr Ndour also emphasised that the FiTI stands ready to continue assisting the government as well as all other interested parties in establishing the basic parameters for an enabling environment of transparency and stakeholder participation in Senegal’s fisheries sector.
The Committee members also affirmed Minister of Fisheries, Maritime Affairs and Ports’ (MPIMP) Dr Fatou Diouf’s willingness to continue the FiTI process. Director Gueye decided to request a hearing with the MPIMP and the FiTI International Secretariat to discuss finalizing Senegal’s FiTI sign-up steps as soon as possible. Director Gueye stated that “transparency in all sectors, including fishing, is a priority for Senegal’s new authorities, and we will take the necessary steps to get Senegal [back] in the FiTI list.”
Furthermore, the Senegalese government created the OGP Steering Committee, which will seek to advance transparency and civic engagement. The UK-based organization Article 19, in a subsequent press release, reminded the government of Senegal that establishing a national Steering Committee is a crucial step, but insufficient on its own. Article 19 also said, “to ensure Senegal upholds its commitments under the OGP […] it is essential to allocate adequate resources and implement further reforms.” It also added: “We now urge the government to provide the committee with the necessary means to effectively carry out its functions. The government should accelerate the necessary reforms for open government, including […] compliance with the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FITI) to reinstate Senegal’s participation in the mechanism…”
Oceans 5
On September 9, 2024, Oceans 5 organized a meeting with several civil society organizations in Senegal. The meeting was part of Oceans 5’s efforts to monitor the organisation’s financed projects. Oceans 5 has shown a commitment to supporting the FiTI process in Senegal, and several projects contain objectives to improve fisheries transparency through the FiTI, including “Gouvernance des pêches au Sénégal (GPS)” – a project implemented by the Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone (PRCM) in partnership with the MPIMP through the Fisheries Protection and Surveillance Directorate (DPSP) – and the “Charter for Sustainable Fishing”, developed and strongly advocated for by the National Coalition for Sustainable Fisheries (CONAPED). President Faye is a signatory to the charter.
During this meeting, the FiTI International Secretariat was invited to discuss Senegal’s prospects since its delisting from the FiTI. Mr. Ndour explained the reasons for Senegal’s removal from the FiTI and informed the attendees of the possibility of Senegal’s return to the FiTI, outlining the actions required. Joined in his plea by Oceans 5 and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency (CFT), PRCM Executive Director and FiTI International Board member Dr Ahmed Senhoury asked stakeholders to work towards Senegal’s return to the FiTI, stating that “transparency is not a binding tool for countries, and enables governments that implement the FiTI to gain international recognition while creating the right conditions for accountability in sustainable management. We need the stakeholders and the administration to work towards Senegal’s return to the FiTI list.”
Coalition for Fisheries Transparency
On September 12, 2024, the FiTI International Secretariat also met with Ms Maisie Pigeon, Director of the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency (CFT) and FiTI International Board member during her country mission to Senegal, to discuss fisheries transparency efforts in Senegal. Ms Pigeon stated that “CFT and our partners strongly encourage engagement with efforts to improve and accelerate openness of fisheries information, as well as increase participation of key stakeholders such as civil society organizations, in fisheries decision-making processes. Reaffirming Senegal’s commitment to the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) Standard, with the support of CFT and its Senegalese members, can help ensure the long-term success of these efforts and reinforce Senegal’s leadership in promoting transparency and sustainable practices within the fisheries sector.”
