Dakar, capital of Senegal, was recently ranked as the most expensive city in West Africa. The prices of rent, electricity and food have skyrocketed, angering residents. Despite the announcement of price control measures, their implementation leaves much to be desired, which has pushed numerous consumer groups and civil society organizations to demonstrate.
The cost of living in Dakar has increased considerably in recent years. For example, the price of a kilo of onion increased from 500 CFA francs to 1,300 CFA francs in just two years. Despite attempts to regulate rents, landlords have found ways to circumvent the restrictions, leading to uncontrolled price increases. The Senegalese feel harmed by these ineffective measures and demand strict monitoring of their application.
In addition to rents, electricity has become a subject of tension. Bills have increased significantly in recent weeks, surprising many consumers. Senegalese authorities attributed this increase to the end of the state subsidy that supported the electricity sector. However, many citizens question this explanation and demand accountability from the national electricity company, Sénélec.
Faced with this unsustainable situation, citizens expressed their discontent through various protest actions. An online petition has even collected nearly 50,000 signatures to denounce the increase in electricity bills. Protesters are demanding more effective measures to control prices and protect the purchasing power of Senegalese people.
It is clear that the cost of living is a crucial issue for the inhabitants of Dakar, and it is essential that the authorities take concrete measures to remedy this situation. Consumers deserve to be protected against abusive price increases, and it is necessary to establish strict monitoring of the application of the measures taken. The current situation requires a rapid and effective response to guarantee a decent standard of living for all citizens of Senegal.