On the international stage, Senegal is definitely on the upswing. For a
variety of reasons our neighbor has succeeded in being in the good graces of
the United States, Europe and most of the world including leading NGOS and
lending institutions. Respected and listen to, the Senegalese can hope to
reap tangible benefits that is inherent in their newfound circumstances.
Already they have been granted substantial debt relief by both the US and EU
and they enjoying similar treatment from the world Bank and IMF. All of this
international goodwill did not occur in a vacuum. It is happening precisely
because of the triumph of democracy in country that is an oasis in a
subregion blighted by warlords and tyrants. Having consummated a peaceful
transfer of power, Senegal not only shines on the African continent as an
example of the viability of representative government, but they also became
the first country with the moral standing to not only practice democracy but
to preach it to their recalcitrant neighbors. As of this writing three other
countries have followed in Senegal's lead in the march towards
democratization. I am confident the remaining tyrants within the subregion
would soon be swept away. Meanwhile Senegal would now be in a position to use
the additional resources made available by the international goodwill to help
provide for it's citizens as democracies often do. A better fed and better
educated Senegalese would increasingly contribute in the strengthening of
democratic institutions within his country.
    While it is true that what ever standing Senegal enjoys today is
testament to the resilience of it's people and the choices they make, some
credit is due to it's leadership. Their ambassador to the US is a remarkable
example what is good about the quality of their leadership. Ambassador Seck
has served for over decade here in the US. Over that period he has carefully
cultivated important relationships within the US government and among the
diplomatic community to enable him to effectively represent his country.
Today Senegal is a very important component of US Africa policy hailed as a
beacon of democracy that is worthy of support. Of the four battalion Africa
Crisis Response Team, one is slated to come from Senegal reflecting the US
gov't faith in it's role as a source of stability. A Senegalese contingent
was similarly given overall command of the United Nations peacekeeping in the
D.R.Congo.
      Everything about our neighbor suggest a country embarking on a sound
and progressive foreign policy. By example and deed, activities in Senegal
augur well for the subregion and the continent as a whole. Gambia ,
geographically the closest to Senegal would be inline to continue the
democratization in 2001. In the meantime lets rejoice in our neighbors' well
earned stature in the eyes of the rest of the world.
Karamba

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