The draft budget of the Ministry of the Armed Forces is being examined in plenary session at the Assembly this Saturday, December 6, 2025. During committee work, the parliamentary commissioners expressed their major concerns, particularly regarding the security situation in the sub-region.

“The jihadist threat is becoming increasingly present at our borders, particularly on the Malian side,” they emphasized, questioning the lack of intervention by the Senegalese Armed Forces in the event of attacks in Malian border areas, despite the geographical proximity. Similarly, members of parliament highlighted the presence of foreigners without proper documentation and what they deemed insufficient border controls. According to them, this situation undermines national security and calls for urgent measures.

In response to these concerns, the parliamentarians formulated several concrete recommendations, including the creation of a second gendarmerie post on the border with Mali and increased surveillance of the two-wheeled vehicles commonly known as "Djakarta." They also stressed the need to expedite their registration. "There needs to be a visible reinforcement of the military presence in Saint-Louis, Barkedji, Mbao, and Médina Yoro Foulah," they asserted.

Beyond security concerns, the members of parliament drew the government's attention to the living and working conditions of the military. They cited a lack of water at the General Idrissa Fall camp, outdated equipment at the Thiaroye training camp, and significant logistical difficulties in Ndindi, where vehicles are reportedly immobilized due to a lack of fuel. These shortcomings, they argued, directly affect the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

The issue of historical memory and justice was not overlooked. The commissioners reiterated the commitments made at the highest levels of government, particularly regarding the Thiaroye memorial and the creation of a research center dedicated to the Senegalese riflemen. They also requested clarification on the progress of the compensation process for the families of veterans. "It is time for these promises to become a tangible reality," they insisted.

The situation in Casamance has also raised serious concerns, with questions about the disappearance of a soldier and a request for updated information on the progress of the peace process in the area.

On the budgetary front, several areas of concern were raised. Parliamentarians deemed the 4 billion FCFA reduction in personnel expenses for program 1002 controversial. They also requested clarification on the acquisition of military equipment and the use of the 150 million FCFA held in a special Treasury account. The progress of the military vehicle assembly program was also questioned.

The members of parliament also examined the remuneration of military personnel on international missions. "How can it be explained that a soldier on a twelve-month mission receives only 6,240,000 FCFA, or 520,000 FCFA per month?" they asked, while also questioning the actual contribution of the United Nations, estimated at 1,900,000 FCFA. They called for an increase in allowances and improved social protection for personnel deployed in theaters of operation.

Finally, the issue of infrastructure and military health was strongly supported. Parliamentarians reaffirmed their support for the project to create local military hospitals and formulated specific requests: the construction of a military hospital in Medina Yoro Foulah, the establishment of new brigades in Kaffrine, Gniby and Niodior, as well as the development of a public park at Camp Geille, in Ouakam.